Features

Words: John Parnham Photographs: John Parnham Collection and Joe Dick – www.mortonsarchive.com Every racing motorcycle has a story to tell, but a chance encounter with Carlos Lavado revealed that this TZ may have a more interesting history than most. At that moment we could not have guessed how interesting it was. What had Carlos Lavado’s…

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All fans of the ‘light and lean, green and mean’ Kawasaki tandem twins, that finally overcame Yamaha’s domination of the World 250 and 350cc Championships in the 1970s, are aware that these lithe little machines, with their game-changing inline cylinder layout, took a total of eight World Championships in those classes between 1978 and 1982.…

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The Daventry Court Hotel was sold out for the CRMC’s annual awards and dinner/dance, with Guest of Honour Jim Redman presenting the prizes and recounting anecdotes and tales from his incredible racing life. Words: Graham Lawlor Photographs: Russell Lee Unfortunately, neither George Hogton-Rusling nor Ian Ashley/Roy Cunningham could be present to receive their respective awards…

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With record crowds, for what is now the established start to the classic year, James kept the large audience around the stage spellbound with tales from his racing days. He also shared his natural enthusiasm for classic motorcycles, admitting when questioned by MC Steve Plater, to owning a large stable of machines in various stages…

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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 tells the story. Words: Alan Turner Photographs: Alan Turner and Ray Palmer Collection Nowadays, the sport of 50cc racing is…

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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 water-cooled 0W20 in-line-four. Reigning 250cc World Champion Jarno Saarinen would spearhead the factory assault. Yamaha team manager Rodney Gould and…

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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 World Championship. Great things were expected, but it was not to be, as Norm DeWitt explains. Words: Norm DeWittPhotographs: Shobert…

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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.

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