Does anyone remember Motorcycle racer R Castle from Rugby who was active late 50's early 60's.
I'm compiling information on anyone involved in racing the Ariel Arrow over the years, now whether you have an interest in the Arrow or not most seem to have heard that in the 250cc Lightweight International Mike O'rourke finished 7th in the 1960TT ahead of some works machines, a few might even be aware that another rider took part in that same race on a Ariel Arrow namely Stan Cooper from Boston but very few know that a third Arrow was entered to take part in that 1960TT ridden by a rider by the name of R Castle but from what I've been able to establish so far although he entered to take part he was a non starter but that does not detract from my interest in R Castle in fact its all the more intriguing as this was the year that was the dawn of Ariel Arrows being used in short circuit and TT racing (not counting the Leaders and Arrows used in the Production racing events in 1959/60). To have entered to take part in the TT in 1960 one can only presume that Mr Castle who held Licence number 854 was race experienced and had prepared a Ariel Arrow for racing, at the moment one can only speculate as to why he was a non starter.
I would very much like to know more about R Castle and the Ariel Arrow, does anyone remember him? is he still around? or know of relatives I could contact.
Can anyone answer this question, if someone has been issued with a race licence even all those years ago, do records exist somewhere I could use as a point of enquiry?
When someone enters a motorcycle to take part in the TT, I presume paperwork would have been submitted in some form of entry application, does anyone know whether those entry records survive or details entered into some kind of TT records ledger that might survive.
There is a R Castle in the TT Database has having taken part in the MGP 56-59 on a range of machines Norton, BSA, AJS but not listed for the 1960TT.
On a visit to the library at the Vintage Club Headquarters I did find a small portrait photograph from the correct period of one R Castle that could well be the man I am looking to trace, might not help much though wearing a pudding basin helmet but better than no photo at all. (Unfortunately I cannot work out how to attach the photo to the message)
Interestingly the following year for the 1961 TT there were 8 Arrow entered to take part but R Castle was not one of them or any other years up to 1967 the last year the Arrow was raced by Roy Boughey.
I'm aware how important these days referring to old race programmes can be but I only have a few so far but R Castle is listed in one for Silverstone Saturday May 28th 1960 organised by B.M.C.R.C to take part in the 12 lap 250cc race on the Arrow but someone has put a line through his name so once again perhaps he was a non starter.
Any information greatly appreciated. Thank you. Roger
Edited by arielglida, 17 July 2017 - 18:05.
