From The Archive

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…

Continue reading »

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…

Continue reading »

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…

Continue reading »

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…

Continue reading »

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extreme, usually consisting of a cruise to the chequered flag by Giacomo Agostini and the MV Agusta ahead of a field of outdated British singles.

Continue reading »

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 privateer and works Suzuki rider. Phil Wain charts a career cut short. Words: Phil Wain Photographs: Mortons Archive – Nick…

Continue reading »

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 it. Words: Graham Lawlor Photographs: Russell Lee The 1968 Tokyo bike show saw a seismic event in motorcycle development –…

Continue reading »

Tony McGurk blames the media frenzy around Giacomo Agostini for costing him a podium finish in the 1968 Senior TT. John Watterson explains. Photographs: John Watterson and Mortons Archive www.mortonsarchive.com Now aged 73, McGurk was a mere 12 seconds off eventual runner-up Brian Ball when he approached the old roadside pits, in front of the…

Continue reading »

Ask any of the competitors who raced regularly against Austin Hockley and the most common description they give him is ‘fearless’. Chris Carter charts his varied career. Words: Chris Carter Photographs: Austin Hockley Collection and Nick Nicholls Collection – Mortons Archive In a career lasting 12 years Austin has had a great deal of success.…

Continue reading »

Bernard Hargreaves’ life has been one of kitchen sink glamour.

Continue reading »