32 replies to this topic

[Richard Wood]

Does anyone have any photographs, interesting stories or articles relating to the late John Hartle which they can share. He was my uncle and I am researching his career.

[Paul Rochdale]

Does anyone have any photographs, interesting stories or articles relating to the late John Hartle which they can share. He was my uncle and I am researching his career.

Are you in touch with his second wife, Shelagh Moran, who lives in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. PM me if you'd like her address details.

[Richard Wood]

Are you in touch with his second wife, Shelagh Moran, who lives in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. PM me if you'd like her address details.

I met Shelagh earlier this year and she gave me some interesting information. Did you know John?

[Paul Rochdale]

I met Shelagh earlier this year and she gave me some interesting information. Did you know John?

No, not at all, but I wrote a memorial page to him on FindaGrave and Shelagh helped me out with some details. I thought he was a superb rider and extremely stylish, but never quite reached the very top did he? I read somewhere that it was a bit of a psychological thing. Perhaps it depressed him a bit that he couldn't beat the likes of Hailwood and Read, etc.?

[Russell Burrows]

No, not at all, but I wrote a memorial page to him on FindaGrave and Shelagh helped me out with some details. I thought he was a superb rider and extremely stylish, but never quite reached the very top did he? I read somewhere that it was a bit of a psychological thing. Perhaps it depressed him a bit that he couldn't beat the likes of Hailwood and Read, etc.?

I think he stuck it accross Luton boy a few times, Haillwood too when they were all on Nortons. Injury was his big problem and he retired in the early sixties - probably around his peak - after missing just about a whole season through head injuries.
I wonder if he ever rode as well say from '63 when he came back ?

[ex Rhodie racer]

What an absolute superstar John was. If you read Mike Hailwoods book, Mike Hailwood, you will inderstand the high regard Mike held him in.
I remember hearing the sad news of his demise and I unashamedly admit to having cried like a baby. He was a stylist and a racer, the likes of whom come about very, very seldom.

Says it all I think.

[fil2.8]

Yes , I was lucky enough to see him race quite a few times , most notably when he won the Proddy TT in 1967 , not that a like proddy racing but he was magnificiant on the Thruxton Bonnie , at IIRC 97 odd MPH , I then got his autograph at the prize giving which I have lost ............. Yes a great rider .
Rip John

[Russell Burrows]

John was also consistently quicker than Readie on the Gileras; after Minter's injury he was the team's number one. This wasn't bad going as he had been out of racing for a couple of years prior to '63. If I recall correctly, at the early season Imola meeting, where the Gileras beat Hailwood, Minter had to ride around John on the last corner on the grass to get his bike accross the line first. That at least is how it I remember it being reported in the comic.

Edited by Russell Burrows, 08 August 2009 - 12:08.

[daveinnola]

Does anyone have any photographs, interesting stories or articles relating to the late John Hartle which they can share. He was my uncle and I am researching his career.

hi i have a number of pictures of john hartle that i have culled over time from the internet over the last ten years i,ll be more than happy to share them with you although not the best in quality they will give you a idea of some of the photos of one of the greats that are around , a fan daveinnola@cox.net

[daveinnola]

No, not at all, but I wrote a memorial page to him on FindaGrave and Shelagh helped me out with some details. I thought he was a superb rider and extremely stylish, but never quite reached the very top did he? I read somewhere that it was a bit of a psychological thing. Perhaps it depressed him a bit that he couldn't beat the likes of Hailwood and Read, etc.?

huh i have a picture of him with surtees and six lightweight mv riders all champions in gp or the italian city to city death races that was when he was with mv , he was also a works rider for norton if john hartle and derek minter ever got a fair crack of the whip they would have showed you who the real stars were not to knock mike the bike or the other factory stars of the time , these were the would have could have should have stars of british racing , and as for phil read didnt he back off from a race with derek minter and another guy who was killed in the race as he judged the race too fast?

[daveinnola]

John was also consistently quicker than Readie on the Gileras; after Minter's injury he was the team's number one. This wasn't bad going as he had been out of racing for a couple of years prior to '63. If I recall correctly, at the early season Imola meeting, where the Gileras beat Hailwood, Minter had to ride around John on the last corner on the grass to get his bike accross the line first. That at least is how it I remember it being reported in the comic. i got a photo of hartle and minter and duke at imola? after they beat the six years younger works bikes

[Russell Burrows]

''i got a photo of hartle and minter and duke at imola? after they beat the six years younger works bikes ''

Oi Dave, what's your text doing in my quote box..... ???

Edited by Russell Burrows, 13 August 2009 - 06:49.

[Classicpics]

Does anyone have any photographs, interesting stories or articles relating to the late John Hartle which they can share. He was my uncle and I am researching his career.

pm me your details and I'll post you a copy.

John was, as you know, a very fast and stylish rider on all types and sizes of bike, 250 Honda 4, MV's three and four cylinder, and the Gileras were the more exotic of his mounts. He was up with the best on any bike. He certainly scared me quite a few times at Mallory doing his plug chop and silently whizzing inches past me into the paddock when I thought he was doing another lap and would never get into the paddock at that speed, but he always did. But he was always dogged by incredible bad luck. I was so sad the way he died at Oliver Mount, again just really bad luck.

[daveinnola]

''i got a photo of hartle and minter and duke at imola? after they beat the six years younger works bikes ''

Oi Dave, what's your text doing in my quote box..... ???

dammed i i know lol

[daveinnola]

pm me your details and I'll post you a copy.

John was, as you know, a very fast and stylish rider on all types and sizes of bike, 250 Honda 4, MV's three and four cylinder, and the Gileras were the more exotic of his mounts. He was up with the best on any bike. He certainly scared me quite a few times at Mallory doing his plug chop and silently whizzing inches past me into the paddock when I thought he was doing another lap and would never get into the paddock at that speed, but he always did. But he was always dogged by incredible bad luck. I was so sad the way he died at Oliver Mount, again just really bad luck.

he also rode the mv six and works norton with a dustbin

[Paul Rochdale]

http://www.findagrav...p...d=17415750

[Richard Wood]

Does anyone have any photographs, interesting stories or articles relating to the late John Hartle which they can share. He was my uncle and I am researching his career.

Continuing my research of John's racing career I have recently had the good fortune to be able to photograph many of his trophies. I have the dates, race reports and results for many of these which makes very interesting reading to me as to how, when and where these trophies were won.

However, I have no records for the following and wondered if any of you good people would have any information such as dates, race reports etc:-

1961 Frith Trophy, Cadwell Park, 499 Norton.
1961 Feridax Cup, Cadwell Park, 499 Norton.
1961 Folbigg Trophy, Cadwell Park, 499 Norton.

Bearing in mind that John was injured & out of racing action between April 30th '61 to 2nd July '61 and again from 16th September for remainder of '61 & '62 seasons

The Motor Cycle Challenge Trophy 83.80 mph, Norton. (no year on this one)
1963 B.M.C.R.C. George Reynolds Memorial Trophy
1967 B.M.C.R.C. Motor Cycle News Trophy

Also, am I correct in thinking that the B.M.C.R.C. J.S.Moore Trophy was awarded to John in 1967 for the most outstanding performance by a BMCRC member in the IOM TT races.

If you can help in any way or have any information relating to John I would be most interested to hear from you.

Thanking you in anticipation

R

[Russell Burrows]

Continuing my research of John's racing career I have recently had the good fortune to be able to photograph many of his trophies. I have the dates, race reports and results for many of these which makes very interesting reading to me as to how, when and where these trophies were won.

However, I have no records for the following and wondered if any of you good people would have any information such as dates, race reports etc:-

1961 Frith Trophy, Cadwell Park, 499 Norton.
1961 Feridax Cup, Cadwell Park, 499 Norton.
1961 Folbigg Trophy, Cadwell Park, 499 Norton.

Bearing in mind that John was injured & out of racing action between April 30th '61 to 2nd July '61 and again from 16th September for remainder of '61 & '62 seasons

The Motor Cycle Challenge Trophy 83.80 mph, Norton. (no year on this one)
1963 B.M.C.R.C. George Reynolds Memorial Trophy
1967 B.M.C.R.C. Motor Cycle News Trophy

Also, am I correct in thinking that the B.M.C.R.C. J.S.Moore Trophy was awarded to John in 1967 for the most outstanding performance by a BMCRC member in the IOM TT races.

If you can help in any way or have any information relating to John I would be most interested to hear from you.

Thanking you in anticipation

R

I came across this just today, although I suspect it isn't news to you:
http://www.buxtonadv...nition_1_654795

Edited by Russell Burrows, 20 February 2011 - 16:17.

[Richard Wood]

I came across this just today, although I suspect it isn't news to you:
http://www.buxtonadv...nition_1_654795

Thanks Russell. A really smashing evening was had by some 150 to 200 locals, family members & friends at the unveiling of the plaque back in March last year.
All the best
R

[dommieracer]

HI, I will talk to my dad later in the week to ask what he remembers of JH. I do know one thing and that was my dad had one of JH's Manx engines as a spare.

Cheers

Kevin

[Richard Wood]

HI, I will talk to my dad later in the week to ask what he remembers of JH. I do know one thing and that was my dad had one of JH's Manx engines as a spare.

Cheers

Kevin

Thanks Kevin, I'll look forward to hearing what he can remember.
R

[frankdean]

good evening

I saw your enquiry regarding John Hartle

My father was a good friend of his knowing him from his business in Buxton that he shared with Normal Bramhall as B & H Motors
I remember going to Oulton Park with him a few times

As a kid he was my hero & after all these years I still have photos of him at the TT racing & at Mallory Park
if I can offer anymore info please contact me

thanks
FRANK DEAN
AUSTRALIA

[Paul Collins]

Hi Frank, please check out this earlier thread and let me know if you can help with this elusive photo

http://forums.autosp...howtopic=132193

[Richard Wood]

good evening

I saw your enquiry regarding John Hartle

My father was a good friend of his knowing him from his business in Buxton that he shared with Normal Bramhall as B & H Motors
I remember going to Oulton Park with him a few times

As a kid he was my hero & after all these years I still have photos of him at the TT racing & at Mallory Park
if I can offer anymore info please contact me

thanks
FRANK DEAN
AUSTRALIA

Hi Frank
Been away for a few days & only just seen your post.
I am always on the look out for photographs, memorabilia & printed articles etc. regarding John's career & that associated era. Maybe you could post some of yours on here?
If you can recall any interesting facts or anecdotes from your times together, or even information about Norman Bramhall & possibly Eric Bowers then I, and I am sure many others would be most interested to hear them.
All the best
R

[drumwrecker]

And I hope I have the facts correct for this one taken by me at the Gooseneck during the 1963 350cc TT

Edited by drumwrecker, 27 April 2011 - 19:48.

[drumwrecker]

Taken by me at the entry to Druids, Brands Hatch


[Visit My Website

Sorry somehow I couldn't insert the picture, but the link works OK

Edited by drumwrecker, 27 April 2011 - 19:56.

[BobGun]

The thing that always intrigues me about your uncle, Sir Richard, is that he was alone among the top-liners in having punted the wares of both MV and Gilera during the 50s/60s. Did anyone ever do a story about that in any of the mags?

[Russell Burrows]

The thing that always intrigues me about your uncle, Sir Richard, is that he was alone among the top-liners in having punted the wares of both MV and Gilera during the 50s/60s. Did anyone ever do a story about that in any of the mags?

Massetti, Dale, Venturi..... 

[serafini]

Massetti, Dale, Venturi..... 

......Artesiani, Bandirola, Read, Grassetti.....

[BobGun]

Oops.

[thecrimsonking]

Hi Richard

 

I know this is an old post, but I was just wondering how you've got on with your collation of photographs of John Hartle.  I've only really got into researching about him and I'm beginning to dig up some fascinating stuff.  John was my great uncle (my Grandmothers' brother) so I suppose that makes us distant relatives.  It's just such a shame that the period he raced in was a period where documents and photos were quite scarce, though there are plenty out there, it would be be good to see more of him without a helmet on.  Please let me know how you got on, I'd be really interested to see what you have got (and so would my mum!).  My Gran was very close to him (and their sister Margaret) when they were younger and used to listen to him race on the wireless (as it was then, lol).

 

Regards

 

TCK

[thecrimsonking]

I did unearth some British Pathe footage on Youtube which featured John racing (with Mike Hailwood), there's a really clear bit of him at the end (you may have seen this already, apologies if you have).

 

http://www.britishpa...ycle-grand-prix

[tonyed]

I did unearth some British Pathe footage on Youtube which featured John racing (with Mike Hailwood), there's a really clear bit of him at the end (you may have seen this already, apologies if you have).

 

http://www.britishpa...ycle-grand-prix

 

Hope Hailwood didn't squander the 100 pounds and kept the trophy polished

 

17 laps, the whole meeting today is probably not many more