Features Archives - Classic Racer

from the archive: The Pope Special – Small but perfectly formed

6th July 2020 Nigel Devereux Features, From the Archive

Ray Palmer has had a go at various riding disciplines. Since retirement, he has acquired a collection of 50cc race bikes, but the Pope Special, for close personal reasons, is a particular favourite. Alan Turner

From the archive: A Flying Finn in France – Changing Times

29th June 2020 Nigel Devereux Features, From the Archive

After Chas Mortimer gave Yamaha its first 500cc class win at the last Grand Prix of 1972, riding a 350 twin, the 1973 season marked a new dawn for the Japanese factory with its impressive

From the archive: Bubba Shobert

14th June 2020 Nigel Devereux Features, From the Archive

All American Champion Bubba Shobert was following the established American path to the World Championship. A three time AMA flat track Grand National Champion, a US Superbike Championship, and a Honda ride in the 500cc

Kawasaki’s Fearsome Formula 750 Racers

7th June 2020 Nigel Devereux Features, From the Archive

In the early 1970s, 500cc Grand Prix racing was boring in the extreme, usually consisting of a cruise to the chequered flag by Giacomo Agostini and the MV Agusta ahead of a field of outdated British singles.

Barry Sheene's first 500cc Grand Prix win

5th June 2020 Sam Hewitt Features

In 1971 he scored three GP wins on the ex-Stuart Graham 125 Suzuki at Spa, Belgium; Anderstorp, Sweden and Imatra, Finland. He’d even won the 50cc GP in Brno, Czechoslovakia, as guest rider for the

Mike Hailwood: The fastest teenager on Earth

4th June 2020 Sam Hewitt Features

‘The fastest teenager on earth.’ That was how the press described Michael Hailwood in 1959.

Archive: John Surtees wins the 1960 Senior TT

4th June 2020 Sam Hewitt Features

This is John Surtees in 1960, en route to winning the Senior TT. His MV Agusta was easily the fastest bike compared to the following gaggle of Norton singles, with a time of 2 hours,

From the archive: John NewboldFrom Darley Moor to Grand Prix winner

29th May 2020 Nigel Devereux Features, From the Archive

A 500cc Grand Prix winner at the age of 23, John ‘Noddy’ Newbold was a formidable opponent during the 1970s and 80s, winning an International road race and countless British Championship races as both a

From the Archive: Hurst Historics’ Honda CR750 – Where others fear to tread

18th May 2020 Nigel Devereux Features, From the Archive

Just sometimes it’s good to be different, and Andy Smith is a man who is prepared to swim against the tide. Graham Lawlor tells the story of his unlikely race bike and the history behind

Trio of Brough Superiors, right? Wrong.

13th May 2020 Sam Hewitt Features

Photo: Mortons Archive Three big V-twins, featuring plated petrol tanks and even at a glance a fine specification, with speedometers and lighting sets apparent. Brough Superiors, right? Wrong… At a glance – and to be