The Classic MotorCycle August 2020

That’s three lockdown issues down, how many more to go? As I write, it feels like some degree of normality is returning but, well, we’re far away from a total return ‘back to the old days’ – remember them? When you could meet pals for a pint, not have to stand outside shops in a queue and when ‘social distancing’ was just what you chose to do with people you didn’t want to see (‘avoiding them’ as it is otherwise known), not your nearest and dearest. I’m still at my dad’s, though I have been able to be getting out and about a bit more; it’s lovely to be riding again. But we’re still not in a position where we can go and visit anyone much, so that’s why you’ll…

Although not sporting his familiar, trademark moustache, it clearly is the same Eric Oliver who was to claim the inaugural GP world sidecar racing championship in 1949, a title he added to with further successes in 1951, 1953 and 1954, all on Norton outfits. Indeed, his first win – when 600cc outfits were allowed – was on a prewar example, passengered by the intrepid Denis Jenkinson, who a few years later enjoyed more success, when he partnered Stirling Moss to Mille Miglia victory in their Mercedes. Though he enjoyed his greatest success when he’d switched to three wheels, it was on two Oliver first sought fame and fortune. Born in April 1911, in Crowborough, Sussex, Oliver made his TT debut in 1937, retiring a 500cc Vincent-HRD Comet in the Senior…

Stafford set for a double delight It’s set to be double the value for showgoers this autumn, as thanks to the impact of Covid-19 two huge bike events are set to combine into one great show. The Classic MotorCycle- backed April Stafford show was originally postponed until later in the summer, but now following government advice it has been moved again... and the decision made to combine it with its sister event in October. Nigel Hole, events director at organiser Mortons Media Group said: “The safety and wellbeing of everyone is the most important factor and key reason for postponing. “The show will now be joining forces with its ‘sister’ event in October, which takes place at the Stafford County Showground on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11. “All…

BANBURY FALLS Organisers of this summer’s Banbury Run have finally had to admit defeat and cancel this year’s event, which had provisionally been rearranged to a late August date. The VMCC said: “With regret, this year’s run will not take place. All entrants will receive a full refund, but this may take longer than normal due to reduced staffing levels in the office. “The VMCC is working with a coalition of motorcycle organisations and the Government to progress the interests of motorcyclists as the UK starts to come out of lockdown.” A link to the Coalition of Motorcycle Organisations lockdown exit advice can be found at www.vmcc.net/coalition-of-motorcycling-organisations CLASSIC TT IS OFF The Isle of Man Government and the Manx Motor Cycle Club, the organisers of the Classic TT and Manx…

Author: Paul W Guthrie Publisher: Paul W Guthrie. Available from Amazon, Waterstones and other specialist bookshops. Hardback, 220 x 260mm (portrait); 333 pages with over 140 photographs and illustrations. ISBN 978-3-9820872-0-7 £34 On August 8, 1937, Jimmie Guthrie was on track to win his third successive German Grand Prix, when he crashed heavily on the last lap. He died shortly afterwards in hospital and was mourned by racing fans all over the world. The cause of the crash was never fully explained at the time and many rumours circulated. This book uncovers the known facts surrounding the crash, and explores hypotheses to explain it. In the course of researching the story, many facts were uncovered, shedding new light on the British motorcycle racing scene in the 1930s. Never before published…

1920 It is claimed an ill wind blows nobody any good, but strong winds on Wednesday, August 18, 1920, helped entrants of the Brooklands one kilometre speed trials, including the only Class A1 entrant – solo motorcycles up to 275cc. Walter Jacobs, riding his old 248cc Singer, broke the track’s flying start kilometre record with 58.87mph, but was just a fraction too slow over the mile to complete a double. Although no further records were broken, many including Les Bailey (348cc Douglas at 69.47mph), Victor Horsman (490cc Norton, 81.05mph), Reuben Harveyson (998cc Indian, 88.77mph), Victor Gayford (744cc Zenith s/c, 73.1mph) and Ted Baragwaneth (986cc Zenith s/c, 71.65mph) posted fast times. Deteriorating conditions slowed the three lap scratch races – winners were Les Bailey (348cc Douglas) 350cc class at 59.94mph, Eric…