Issue 1 : September 2012
5000 enjoy a day at the beach MORE than 5,000 crowded Kirkcaldy's Esplanade to see the return of racing on the sands. Kirkcaldy and District MC, which organised the event to mark its 90th anniversary, had hoped for a good turn-out, but 'phenomenal' was how president, Hugh Ward, described it. With demo races from speedway and grass trackers, classic bikes and some modern machinery, the crowds loved it. And so did the town's traders, benefitting from the crowds. 'The thought is that we'll be able to do it again - with real racing,' explained Hugh. 'There will be a lot of work to be done, but people enjoyed it.’
Photograph courtesy and © D.C.Thomson&Co., Ltd
The heyday for sand racing was in the 1930s, and the last regular race 40 years ago. Councillors, traders and townspeople applauded the club's efforts and, it looks as though sand racing is back for keeps in Kirkcaldy at least!
New track hope for Scottish speedway riders THERE is a possibility that Scotland could have its own speedway practice track soon. The move would provide for the first purpose-built track north of the Border, allowing riders the opportunity to test and practice without the costly and time consuming trip heading south. “The plan is in its extremely early stages and still has a long way to go,” explained a Scottish speedway official, “But at long last we've made a start and it is hopeful.” The proposals would require planning consent and probably some form of public consultation - which is where previous proposals have been sunk. “The problem is you just mention motorbikes and there is a serious concern from residents,” explained the official. “We may have hit lucky this time, being well away from the eyes and ears of residents - yet not so far from main access roads.” We understand that the proposals are to be discussed as early as next week, and if initial talks prove successful, further consultation will take place to lay down ground rules and the extent of use. With Scottish speedway struggling to attract fresh blood, a new track could also give rise to some sort of academy of expertise or training facility much needed in speedway.
President’s Message SACU President, Robbie Allan, urged everybody to get behind the plans to celebrate 2013. “We have a golden opportunity not only to celebrate and be proud of what has been achieved over the last 100 years, but perhaps more importantly, promote the sport of motorcycling in Scotland.” Robbie revealed the plans for 2013 which will include the competition for the Number 1 Plate, which will be won by the rider who comes out in top in six different disciplines of the sport – Road Racing, Enduro, Motocross, Trials, Quads and as Sidecar Passenger. “We've already had a huge interest from home and abroad and I expect a lot of competition for what I feel is a very important honour – the right to carry the No. 1 Plate,” he explained. (See page 4 for details) “Historically”, said Robbie, “there have been many, many great events and individual achievements over the past century and this is what we want to celebrate - and record for posterity. For example, a Perth-based rider, Jimmy Adamson, rode in the first ever TT in 1907. The Scottish Six Days Trial started in 1911 and there have been many more riders and officials who have done something or other remarkable over the last 100 years. Continued on Page 3
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WELCOME to our first issue! Hopefully as a Scottish biker you'll find something interesting inside. And enough even to join an SACU affiliated club. You don't have to be a competitor - we're here for every biker. You might have gathered by now that 2013 is going to be a special year - a celebration of 100 years of motorcycle sport in Scotland! It's going to be fantastic. We've already got support from heroes such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Niall Mackenzie, and a host of other big names in motorsport and motorcycling. Join in the celebrations - we want to hear from you in the coming months. We want to hear about what you think, your bikes, your memories, your bike trips and where you see our sport going in the next 100 years. You can send us your comments, thoughts, news, competition reports and gossip at office@sacu.co.uk or phone 01506 858 354 for details on advertising and membership. Find out how you can be a part of the SACU and get the best out of your favourite sport. Get in touch with us and join the club! Yours in Sport Derek Stewart-Brown (Editor) derekstewartbrown@btinternet.com Stuart Sommerville (Deputy Editor)
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President’s Message (continued from front page) Inside this magazine we've mentioned just a few of them and there's many, many more that we owe thanks to for making this such a wonderful sport to be a part of. It is the intention of the SACU to piece together the history of motorcycle sport in Scotland, so that for future generations, everyone will be afforded the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of so many. In modern times, the internet and websites are the way of communication, however, we still believe there is a place for a magazine which can be distributed throughout the motorcycle trade in Scotland, and at all our events here, and even further afield. I hope you enjoy this first edition and more importantly, get in touch and make the news that makes our magazine as interesting and informative as I hope you find it. Finally, a celebration dinner is planned for the end of 2013 and I hope to see as many of you as possible at this event. It will feature in the special video we are having made to celebrate this historic year – along with many, many other events which I sincerely hope will all become a highlight for you as a member. Every SACU member is important and this year especially, we need to work together to not only make the celebrations memorable – but secure the future of motorcycle sport in Scotland.”
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Have you got what it takes to be Scotland's No1? ARE you the ultimate biker? Could you be Scotland's top allround rider? The SACU are offering the ultimate prize to the ultimate competitor. Only available to the rider who demonstrates the true spirit of motorcycle sport in Scotland by showing his or her mettle in EVERY discipline! That's right, you'll have to compete in a trial, ride motocross, tackle an enduro and ride a circuit as well as a quad bike. Win out clearly and you'll have the ultimate prize – Scotland's No. 1 plate and a wad of cash in your pocket. Entries are needed now - because there's a limit of 40 riders overall, with 10 riders in reserve. The prize fund is an incredible £1k for the winner, with £800, £600, £400, £200 and £100 for the runners-up. That's total prize money of £2.5k with a special commemorative award for every entrant.
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The entry fee will be £250 and winner can expect to recoup that many, many times over in cash, added sponsorship for his chosen discipline and that unique No.1 plate.
“Physically,” reckons Robbie “You'll need to be fit. Every sport within our world has varied requirements and you'll need to demonstrate your capability in them all.”
SACU organiser of the event, Robbie Allan, says “It will be tough going, but I've already got riders ready to enter. Some are already expert at whatever discipline they do, but desperate to show they can take on somebody else's sport and prove their competence.
We'll expect your entries in ASAP by the start of 2013. You've got until then to think about it and decide.
“The way we've structured the points - a maximum of 80 points for first and right down to a single point for 40th place means every entrant is in with a strong chance. And we've included an open 25 points bonus - to anyone opting to ride as a sidecar passenger. That's a skill that deserves a bonus in itself.”
Remember, entrants will find themselves competing in a trial, riding in a motocross race, riding on an enduro track, as well as competing in a road race, and tackling grass track on a quad!
The competition will run in conjunction with the SACU affiliated clubs and each event will have its own entry form, which will be sent to participating riders and must be returned in time, in accordance with the event rules. There will be opportunities to beg, borrow and hire the appropriate machinery needed to tackle the different disciplines involved. Advice and help every entrant can expect in abundance from the clubs themselves. As well as a fitting competition to mark a century of motorcycle sport in Scotland, we want this to be fun and enjoyable for all involved.
First off, be aware that to enter you'll need to be an SACU/ACU/MCUI licence holder. You'll need to be fit and capable.
The best individual four results from five events will be the ones that count. Therefore every rider has the opportunity to drop any one event for whatever reason they might have. And of course there's 25 additional points for being a sidecar passenger - and that's an opportunity which will be available to every competitor. Tough? You bet it will be. But the rewards for the overall top rider are enormous - including the kudos of owning that exclusive No 1 plate. Think you have what it takes, then check out our next edition in early November for an entry form. For further details call the SACU office.
Ducati ½ Page
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At 75 and 62 this couple call themselves Team Past It, but you’d struggle to catch them
Annette thrown in a race at East Fortune
“YOU'RE never too old...” is an expression we all know. And the SACU has a few game pensioners that we all admire – our Dakar-loving President included! But by any measure, 75-year-old Robin Daykin and his wife, Annette, 62, are a true inspiration, swapping the bus pass and slippers for a sidecar outfit and setting off to compete in the TT and the F2 championship. Despite a nasty spill at East Fortune a few years back, they have been back in
action and back to the Isle of Man, where Robin first competed an amazing 55years-ago on an AJS 7R.
Annette was receiving daily treatment to mend the soft tissue, he added: “It was unfortunate, but Annette is on the mend.
The lifelong bike fans moved from Yorkshire to Turriff in 1985 and ran a small farm. When they retired eight-years ago, they bought a Royal Enfield outfit and toured the UK circuits. With the bug having truly bitten, they ended up with the Yamaha outfit, powered by an R6!
“Her biggest concern is that we're missing races and we need to get a few under our belt to qualify for next year's TT.”
By chance, Robin latched on to a cheeky remark from a young competitor one day, who labelled him “too slow,” and that gave the couple the idea to form Team Past It and pick up the gauntlet, competing in F2. In June they were back at the TT, but unfortunately after just three laps disaster struck.
And even after gruelling hospital treatment and an 80-mile daily trip to the hospital, Annette was heading out again – to her Weightwatchers session because, “You've got to keep fit to race.” Hopefully the couple will be at the Grampian Motorcycle Convention this year – on the Cameron Autotech stand, where boss, Roy Cameron, has been hosting the couple for the past few years.
Robin said: “I stuffed it into a barrier and unfortunately Annette was thrown off and broke her leg.”
“They are an inspiration, not just in the sidecar world, but to an awful lot of people. And to be honest, you couldn't meet a nicer couple,” he added.
Speaking from outside the hyperbaric chamber in an Aberdeen hospital, where
You can also keep up with the couple at www.teampastit.com
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Who’s for sleeping in Barry Sheene’s bed? If you happen to be heading to France this year, you could always spend a night or two in this transporter once owned by world champ, Barry Sheene. It was bought a few years ago on eBay by Darren and Debbie Morrison, who were planning to move to France and wanted a mobile home they could live in, while house-hunting. In France with the DAF transporter, they met Den and Irene Ainsworth and became pals. In time, Den revealed that in the 1960s he had been a successful road racer - and his hero was Barry Sheene, who he was fortunate enough to meet! Showing Darren and Debbie some old photos, they spotted one with a strangely familiar looking vehicle with the reg number EDP 777V - it was the transporter they now called home, complete with Sheene's race famous no 7 race number. “We wrote to the DVLA for the vehicle's history and sure enough”, explained Debbie, “It was registered to Barry Sheene Racing Limited between 1980 and 1984.’ With help from their pals, they set about restoring the old motorhome now that they had found a place to stay - and the 'SheenePitstop' was officially open for business! For 60 Euros per night (based on 3 sharing) you can now rent it out – with or without breakfast. The Pitstop is beside a lake, set in five acres of beautiful grounds - and it's just 30 minutes from Le Mans. Contact the couple at www.sheenepitstop.co.uk
Tinto Park Moto scales new peaks SCOTLAND'S Tinto Park Moto now boasts ten miles of some of the best trail riding around. The easy-to-difficult trails stretch through Tinto's 125 acres of forest, upland moor and hillsides, making it perfect for the leisure rider and incredibly challenging for the experts looking to finesse their skills on the tricky bits. And with expert advice and even tuition from the professionals at Tinto - including site owner, Robbie Allan himself - the trail has already been drawing riders from all over Scotland and further afield. Robbie said: “We're happy that the latest development in ten miles of some great trail riding will open up Tinto to even more riders. The tracks are constantly being freshened up and altered to meet the riders' needs on the moto park and going by the response, we're getting it right more often than not.” Tinto Park Moto has seen Robbie's dreams of a centre of excellence for Scottish enduro/trials/MX riders of all ages come to fruition. The six tracks around the hill are graded and individually designed to match varying skill levels from six-year-olds to veterans. Colour-coded for easy identification and constantly monitored for safety, there's room for everybody from solos to quads, twin shocks, classics and competition machinery.
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The 5 Bo'ness Hill Climb Revival 8th and 9th September 2012 Ron Flockhart/Bob McIntyre Celebration, Classic Speed Hill Climb and Car Show This year will be our fifth event of the current reincarnation of Bo'ness Hill Climb and we intend to celebrate the lives of two famous Scots – Ron Flockhart and Bob McIntyre who both tragically lost their lives fifty years ago in 1962. The 2012 meeting will be the “Ron Flockhart/Bob Mcintyre Celebration Meeting”. Dick Skipworth has promised to bring the original iconic EcurieEcosse transporter (built at Alexanders in Falkirk!) with some of his stable of Jaguars including the Ron Flockhart Le Mans winning Jaguar D Type. Mrs Gillian Fosler, widow of Ron Flockhart, has indicated that she will make every effort to attend.
Photo courtesy of Paul Appleyard
Hugh McCaig, Le Patron of EcurieEcosse, has agreed to bring along more modern representatives of the Le Mans cars which raced under the EcurieEcosse banner. We are hopeful that ERA R4D which Ron Flockhart owned in the early 1950's will also be in attendance. We are currently trying to locate some of Bob McIntyre's bikes and since Joe Potts tuned Bob's bikes and built the JP's, one of which was Ron's first racing cars, we have asked Ben and Shaun Waters to bring their incomparable display of Joe Potts items to Bo'ness once again. 2009 saw a fly past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and in 2010 we enjoyed the Avro Vulcan bomber flying overhead. This year we hope to have the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight returning. Add in our Classic Car Show, the Bo'ness Pipe Band and steam trains and you can see that it is a great weekend for all the family!
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New look road racing season needs better support
Scottish Trials Scene
Championship Classes are being considered for 2013. Superstock 600, Scottish Superbikes and a new Scottish Lightweights. Lightweights will merge the Scottish Supertwins with Formula 400, and mix in bikes such as GP125, Aprilia 250's (production based 250 2-strokes), Aprilia RRV450GP, Moto3 four-stroke250cc 'Moto3' machines. Details are still to be ironed out on the Lightweights but you get the general idea.
The adult series this year has five rounds instead of the customary six; this reduction has been due to increasing travelling costs experienced by all competitors in Scotland. Conversely, the number of trials licences issued by the SACU for 2012 has not decreased from previous years, even in these times of recession.
With the clubs running classes for Pre-Injection bikes, Forgotten Era/Post Classics and Formula 125 for the youngsters, and Sidecars, this supports the aim to make road racing open to as many interested riders as possible. New competitor training has been carried out throughout the year, and it has been good to see new faces, mixing with the established racers. This has been achieved through the support of the organising clubs and rider trainers – thank you for your continued support. The feedback from the “newbies” is that they really appreciate the time the rider trainers spend at the time, and after the training assisting and advising to help the new-starts along. There's also marshal training sessions, and officials' training in 2012. Thanks again to all who have supported and attended these sessions. If you are interested in doing more than spectating, why not come along to an event and talk to those who are already involved – you will find their enthusiasm catching, there are many ways in which you can assist or get involved. Several events have been close to cancelling or cancelled altogether because of the lack of entries on the run-up to the event. Organisers do have to “organise” before an event – medical cover, toilets, trophies, officials and maybe even printing a programme. This is very difficult, if not impossible, to do if most of the competitors are waiting until the night before to decide whether they will compete or not. So events get cancelled, and people wonder why? Clubs really need to know what they are dealing with at an event before signing-on, they can't run an event, or series of events at a loss. Get your entry into the event organiser by the prescribed closing date, or else more events, or Classes within an event are going to be cancelled. The one-event licence/day membership/enter on the day has its place, and helps clubs to meet the costs of events as a bonus. It should be the odd exception and not normal practice.
The trials season is now halfway through and it comes as no great surprise that seven times Scottish Trials Champion, Gary Macdonald from Kinlochleven is leading the Premier Series, having won every round he has entered. Sherco supported Macdonald, a joiner by trade has made a habit of this over the years. He jokingly commented recently, "I'm feeling great - looking to make it number eight!”
Lying in second place is Killin rider Andrew Anderson who came up through the SACU youth ranks and now rides a Jotagas machine. Bringing up third place at the moment is Grant Reid from Edinburgh on a Gas Gas. The other adult sectors are Sportsman on the blue route with Perth's Gareth Palmer in the lead, with Penrith based Alex Strange second and Glasgow's David Anderson in third spot. The Clubman championship run on the green route is open only to riders of up to Non-Expert status and no former experts allowed is currently headed up by Lee Collins who has finished on the podium before now, second to him is offshore worker, Derek Ramsay and in third position Ross MacKay originally from Rogart in Sutherland. The youth classes are currently contested as follows: Youth A has Lochaber's Jack Dignan in the lead with Killin and former Youth B Champion Robert Lafferty second and David Eckl from Isle of Skye in third. Youth B is headed up by Joe Dawson from Dunfermline, son of former Scottish Champion Neil; second is Lewis Byron from Glasgow and Ross Kerr in third spot. Youth C has Duncan McColl leading with Keiran Hay lying second and Lochaber's Ben Dignan, brother of Jack in third position. In Youth D, Niall Brogan is in the lead with Brett Stein second and Jamie Simpson third. The Bob McGregor Trials Academy in Ayrshire keeps pumping out new riders every few months or so and its good to see these guys taking their training to a new level by getting out and riding competitions and in particular tackling championship trials. The over 40 series is currently headed up with Allister Stewart from Scone, second is Jim Tennant from Denny and third is Iain Shankie from Barrhead. In the pre65/twinshock class, former Scottish Champion Neil Dawson, Joe's Dad is leading with Brian Nicol in second and Stonehaven's Murray Whittaker third. SACU trials are run on the ‘No-Stop’ format and this works well for us north of the border. A lot of discussion has surrounded the British Championship format this year and Gary Macdonald has done particularly well as he is attuned to riding sections without stopping.
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Salutes the Jock Porter Scotland's first TT winner, Jock Porter designed and built his bikes from his Edinburgh based business, Porter Motor Mart. He first entered the Junior TT in 1922 but was forced to retire early. The marque made its name on the competition circuit a year later when he won the 250cc TT on his New Gerrard motorcycle. In 1924, riding a New Gerrard 175cc he was the first winner of the Ultra-Lightweight TT with an average speed of 51.21 mph. He was FCIM European Champion twice more in the 1920s, riding at 250cc in 1925 and 1926. New Gerrard motorcycles were produced by Porter from 1922 to 1940. At one point his road models were built by Campion in Nottingham, but he mostly designed and built racing machines himself. Porter died in 1952 aged 58.
Jock Porter
Jimmy Guthrie Famous for 19 Grand Prix wins and 3 victories in the North West 200 and 6 TT titles in his career. The first of our hall of famers to be born in Hawick, Jimmy Guthrie dominated European competition in the early 1930s before he was killed at the age of 40 in the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring circuit in 1937. He first entered the TT in 1923 and contested 12 in all - winning his first Lightweight 250cc title riding an AJS at an average speed of 64.71mph in 1930. He won his last, a Junior 500cc the year he died riding for Norton at an average speed of 84.43mph. Joining the Norton team in 1930 Guthrie set a number of records in this first year of competition. Throughout the early 1930s, as he rose to become Norton team captain, he notched up two senior and junior title wins at the TT. In addition to his 6 victories all on the Isle of Man circuit Guthrie finished 2nd in 5 races. Guthrie is remembered on memorials on the Isle of Man, Hawick and in Germany.
Bob MacGregor Born in 1899, MacGregor remains the only Scot to have won the Scottish Six Day Trials, and he did it not only once but twice. He rode his first Six Days Trial in 1926 and competed regularly before winning in 1932 and 1935. Back then the gruelling event, now considered a rite of passage for any hardened trials rider, was an entirely different animal. As were the stubborn machines that the steely and often equally stubborn entrants competed on. With suspension that was uncomfortable at best, and engines that bear little resemblance to the lightweight and punchy motors of today, for those brave enough to tackle it the SSDT was a soul-searching battle against the elements, the uncompromising Highland terrain and their bike's reliability. MacGregor was the first participant to be officially classed an individual winner as, prior to 1932 all finishers were awarded a silver cup if they completed the Trial with no penalties. MacGregor died in 1975 aged 76.
Jimmy Guthrie
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Fergus Anderson Fergus Anderson was a two-time Grand Prix motorcycle road racing World Champion. The Scot was one of the first riders from Great Britain to make his living racing motorcycles in Europe. In 1950 he signed with Moto Guzzi and competed in the 250cc class. He convinced Moto Guzzi to build a 350cc bike, initially of 320cc but later a proper full 350cc. He raced to the 1953 World Championship in the bike's first year of competition. He repeated this feat as 350cc champion again in 1954. His 350cc World Championship wins were the first by a non-British bike.
Bob McIntyre
He retired from racing to become Moto Guzzi's team manager, but quit in a dispute over having a free hand at running the team. He returned to racing and was offered a ride by the BMW factory. He was killed in 1956 after being thrown from his bike at a race in Belgium at Floreffe.
Bob McIntyre Known as the Flying Scot, Bob McIntyre began his career riding an Ariel Red Hunter competing in scrambling in 1948. By 1952 he had moved on to a BSA and finished in second place in the Junior Clubmans TT averaging 80.09mph on his fastest lap. Later that year he won the Manx Junior (350cc) and came second in the Manx Senior (500cc). He claimed his first international win in 1953 taking the North West 200 title in the 350cc class. His performance earned him a place on the AJS team for two years of European placing before switching to Norton and then in 1957 to Gilera on which he won that year's Senior TT. Throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s McIntyre notched up five Grand Prix wins including 3 TT titles and 4 victories in the North West 200. His last victory on the world stage was the Belgium GP in 1962. He crashed in a non-championship race at Oulton Park, Cheshire in August 1962 and died nine days later aged 34.
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Fastest and Finest Vic Allan Vic Allan, born at Garlogie, Aberdeenshire in 1945, started competing in scrambles (now called Motocross) in 1961, although he did ride in one event when he was 13 under the name of Gordon Morrison and finished 3rd. His first club membership was with the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club.
Vic Allan
He recorded his first Scottish Championships in both Up to 300cc and Over 300cc Classes in 1965 and 1966. He rode in ISDT in 1975 and 1979 and won Gold Medals each year. Won British Championship and was the last rider to win the two class Championship in 1975 and then was the first rider to win the one class Championship in 1976. Allan's best place in a world championship was 7th. He represented Britain in the Motocross Des Nations and the Trophy Des Nations a total of 18 times, more than any other Britain has ever done. He rode in the Classic Manx Grand Prix in 1991 on a Weslake and then went on to ride in subsequent years on a Greeves and then a BSA. He rode in the Endurance Road Racing for some years and was in Team Twilight and won the Championship in 2003.
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Niall Mackenzie Niall Mackenzie, 50, from Denny, won the British Superbike Championship 3 times from 1996 to 1998 and the British 250cc and 350cc titles earlier in his career.
Niall MacKenzie
He launched his Grand Prix career in 1984 debuting in the 250cc class. He moved up to the 500cc class on a Suzuki in 1986 and later rode Honda and Yamaha bikes. He came 4th in the championship in 1990 and finished in the top ten in 7 other seasons. His final season was the 2000 British Superbike series. In retirement he still runs track days at Donnington Park and Knockhill, writes as road test editor for Visordown magazine. Since 2006 he has acted as youth development coordinator for Team Virgin Mobile Racing. His two teenage sons Tarran and Taylor are also building racing careers. Brian Morrison
Brian Morrison Brian Morrison, 51, got his first bike at 16, a Suzuki 50, broke his leg in an accident at 17 and gave up bikes. He took up racing at 21 and had a world-beating 22 year career with dozens of titles and top placings in competition across the world. It was a career that brought 2 TT wins 18 TT replicas, 4 British Championships and the 1996 World Endurance Championship.
He has ridden for Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki and also ran in his own team, at one point running on a 250cc Rotax racing bike, and taken championship titles in classes from 250cc up to 1100cc. Morrison dominated world racing in the 1980s and 1990s. Steve ‘Hizzy ‘ Hislop
Throughout his career he worked with the main French factory endurance teams competing in more than 30 24 hour races, winning at Le Mans, Spa and Bol D'or four times. He also won in Sweden, Brno and Assen. He finished his fantastic career in 2003 on the podium in the Suzuki World Endurance/ Masters of Endurance Le Mans Spa, Bol D'or Macau GP in 3rd place. In retirement he has been team manager/owner along with Iain Duffus of DMR Racing Team debuting riders at Macau GP. Passing on his skills to the big names of today's racing circuit.
Steve ‘Hizzy’ Hislop Hawick born Hislop won the Isle of Man TT 11 times and also the British 250cc Championship in 1990 and British Superbike Championship in 1995 and 2002. He took up motorcycle racing with his brother Garry, who died in competition aged 19 in 1982. Hislop entered and finished second in a newcomers' race at the Manx Grand Prix in 1983 - the year after his brother had won it. The 1992 Senior TT was a classic, and is often described as one of the best races in TT history. Hislop's main rival was Carl Fogarty who started at number 4. Hislop started at 19. Fogarty recorded a blistering lap time of more than 123 mph. It was all in vain however, with Hislop's Norton surging to an historic victory - one of Hislop's greatest achievements and one of the most popular TT wins ever. Hislop died in a helicopter accident near his home in Teviothead, Roxburghshire, in July 2003.
Jock Taylor East Lothian's Jock Taylor was a Scottish and World Champion motorcycle sidecar racer. He entered his first sidecar race at the age of 19, as the passenger to Kenny Andrews in1974. The following year he took part in his first race as a driver. Taylor was Scottish Sidecar Champion in 1977, British Sidecar Champion in 1979 and 1980. In 1980, Taylor and his passenger Benga Johansson won 4 races, and finished on the podium in all 7 events. He went on to become a four-time TT winner. Two years later, Taylor and Johansson raised the sidecar lap record at the Isle of Man TT to 108.29 mph, a record which stood for 7 years. In the 1982 Finnish Grand Prix, held in Imatra under very wet conditions, Taylor and Johansson's bike slid off the road and collided with a telephone pole. The emergency services were removing him from the wreckage when a second sidecar team slid into them. Taylor was killed, aged 28, in the second accident. He is buried in his home village of Pencaitland, and a memorial to him was built there in 2006. Taylor is also remembered every year at Knockhill when sidecar racers travel from all over the UK to race for the Jock Taylor Memorial Trophy.
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Chairman's Thoughts
Scottish Enduros
100 years of the SACU. What an achievement!
Enduro riding is the thinking rider's off-road sport (apart from the magicians called Trials riders) where the riders compete against the course and the clock. You rarely see the other riders you compete against as you set off at timed intervals.
I believe the SACU was formed because of a disagreement at St Andrews sands a Scottish speed championship held only once a year. The original constitution was worded: “The Union's objects shall be:To make and administer Rules and Regulations for the government of motor cycle racing and other competitions. To foster the pastime of motor cycling; To organise contests and trials; To adjudicate upon motor cycling records; To keep registers and issue licences; To take up legal and legislative matters; and generally, To promote and safeguard the rights and privileges of motor cyclists.” This is what the SACU has done over all these years, the original constitution has had to be altered to keep up with the times but I would like to think the basic principles are still there. Changed days from when I first started scrambling, in 1957 with my new AJS 350cc 16Mcs. Cost £320 and weight 320lbs. A BSA Gold Star cost £328 and weighed 328lbs. A competition licence was ten shillings (50p) and an entry into an event 5 shillings (25p) At a Galloway scramble the prize money for the main race first prize was £25, more than two weeks wages! With my bike came detachable lights and it was road legal, I raced at the weekends; grass track, sand race, scrambles, and in the winter trials with different tyres, of course. And I used it every day during the week to my work. The many happy days I spent competing has made me try to put back into the sport some of the enjoyment I got, unfortunately in these modern times health and safety and the legal right to sue has made it so important that all clubs, riders and officials are properly certificated and all relevant paperwork is in order. For the future, with the economic climate and the extortionate cost of fuel, I see it very hard for clubs to run successful events. The only way is for them to really work hard at promoting and selling their event and also trying to give the riders what they want. As for the cost of licences, insurance and also the cost of medical cover, the management of the SACU are constantly in dialogue with the relevant parties to try to keep these costs to a minimum and hopefully allow our sport survive for another 100 years.
A. J. Shedden.
This is the main difference between Enduros and other sports you don't just have to beat the rider in front of you but you have to keep to a time schedule as well. Sounds tricky, but after one event it all falls into place and you soon learn when to go fast and when to take it easy. Scottish events take place in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and if you don't win at least you have had four hours riding over great terrain The Hare and Hound Championship starts in November each year with events at Tain and North Berwick – so Enduro riders can keep riding during the winter. Then in April the Enduro season starts - usually at Elgin. For the 2013 season we hope to have a round of the British Enduro Championship again. Then up to 10 rounds for Scottish riders. For full information on the sport check out www.scottishenduros.co.uk and also the www.sacu.co.uk websites.
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Looking forward to the SACU Awards 2012 The Annual SACU presentation of Awards will take place at Motherwell on 25th November. This is the highlight of the year when the riders receive their trophies after a season long battle over many rounds. Each discipline has several champions in different classes and capacity ranges. There is an overall champion- generally in expert class with the fastest and most consistent riders taking the honours.
Young Gun Scot aims to be Top Gun KEEP your eye on 16year-old Russell Brown, pictured, - the only Scot to be selected for the Triumph Young Guns Programme! A pupil at Strathaven Academy, he's already been racing competitively for three years and finished a credible eighth place in the Nitro Newcomers Championship.
At stake are several perpetual trophies that have a lot of famous names on them.
This year he's been aboard a Grant Racing prepared Aprilia RRV450 in two championships - the Doodson Supertwins and Aprilia's own The Next Step championship.
In Enduros we have the Jim Hendry Expert Trophy that has been presented from the very first Championship over 25 years ago - and had to be enlarged to take more names.
And in both he's been consistently mid-field, learning to get to grips with both the machine and the circuits where he's been racing.
Motocross has the Sinclair Trophy - a highly prized award and currently with Ross Rutherford who will be doing his best to defend it.
This year, his potential was recognised by Triumph, who selected the teenager to join the Young Guns Programme, which aims to develop the best into the greatest of young hopefuls in Britain.
Each year there are also special awards for officials who have helped the sport over very many years and keep events and clubs running. And in recent years we have had Lifetime Achievement awards to reflect the commitment to the sport of helpers , competitors and officials have devoted a lifetime to our sport.
It's a tough school, learning the ropes from some of the UK's finest riders, learning circuitry, technical racing and everything that the modern racer needs to have to win! He says: “I'm grateful for the support I've received from all my supporters and sponsors.”
A great event for all riders and passengers in MX, youth MX, Road race, Enduros, Trials , Quads and we usually have special awards for Scottish Speedway.
This summer he's also been working hard to help boost his knowledge and pay for his racing, with a job at K-Tech in Derbyshire.
A warm welcome to all the champions at Motherwell this year.
And if motorcycle racing fails him, there's always the music. For as well as being into racing, Russell's a keen - and talented - musician. He's mastered the piano and the sax! He says: “I really am thrilled to be have been chosen as one of Triumph's Young Guns. It's a brilliant opportunity to learn first-hand from the experts and hopefully further my racing career.” And among his sponsors and supporters, he's been especially glad of Bob Grant's support. “Bob Grant at Grant Racing arranged for a visit to K-Tech during my school work experience last year and they kindly agreed to an extended work placement this past July, which has been a great opportunity in the current economic climate.” Come October, Russell will know if he's further on course for a factory ride throughout next year's Triumph Triple Challenge Series, as part of the superbike championship. As well as racing, he'll be judged on his overall performance and conduct. If attitude is included, we know Russell could be aboard a Triumph next year!
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Suzuki SUZUKI is celebrating its heritage this year with a new clothing range featuring everything from waterproofs to a range of trendy T shirts, harking back to the Japanese giant's origins.
Conquering the terrain from Spain
The traditional team colours and celebrated too, in a range of smart paddock jackets, while there's plenty of casual wear to choose from. There's even a selection of formal work shirts complete with the corporate logo for that pit lane look. For the majority though, it'll be enough to sport a retro looking Suzuki T shirt from the 1970s - complete with the traditional motif, which you might like to know was originally made using a rare and unusual form of Katakana script. There you go, learning something new every day. See the range at www.suzuki.co.uk
YOU'VE probably never heard about Rieju - unless you live in Spain.
Triumph takes India
But the truth is that they've been making quality bikes for road and trail since the 1940s and just recently they've come to the UK.
TRIUMPH has confirmed that it is to build a massive new factory in India. However, bikes built across there won't be destined for the British or American markets. They will be sold on the domestic market in India which is huge and growing. It's estimated that the Indian factory could produce ten times as many small capacity bikes as Triumph make annually at home. At last, something to be proud of in our great British bike industry.
Double up on Ducati FORMULA 1 driver, Jenson Button, has splashed out on TWO Ducatis! The McLaren driver spent more than £27k on the Panigale and almost £18k on a limited edition, Pikes Peak Multistrada. Both are en route to Monaco from a UK dealership. £45k might be a lot to splash out for you and me - but Jenson is reportedly on a £12 million per annum contract. The bikes will join a custom Harley already in the garage.
Autojumble STILL looking for a Goldie rear hub or a complete basket case to restore this coming winter? There's only one place left to look, and that's the Autumn Autojumble at Alford. The event at the Grampian Transport Museum promises to be bigger than ever. And if you've got something to sell, there's an entrance form on the website at www.gtm.org.uk It all takes place on October 7, kicking off at 9am.
The 125cc market is growing - and the Spanish are likely to grab a handful of that market with the perfect bike for commuters who want to tackle a little light trail ride at the weekend. It's called the Tango, pictured, and we've been to Edinburgh's Saltire Suzuki showrooms to borrow one. First off, it's bike friendly for those who are a little vertically challenged. That's due in part to the narrow trialtype tank and seat arrangement. In town, those broad bars and skinny wheels make cutting through the traffic a breeze. And there's stopping power aplenty via the discs front and rear. It's stylish, with its neat little multi-function digital dash and you can forget lugging a rucksack to the office - you can buy a natty little courier bag that anchors to the rear seat rail. Good for 125 miles to the tankful, it's a wee gem! For the price, it's hard to beat. You get 12 months tax, twoyear warranty, first service free of charge and all for £2,599.
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Film tribute to The Duke GEOFF Duke dominated motorcycle racing in the 1950s, winning 6 world championships and 6 TT races!
Honda's automatic a winner in traffic and open road
Some would say he was the sport's first real superstar, known simply as The Duke. He was a controversial figure - the first rider to wear a onepiece leather suit and some would argue that he was the first to lap the TT course at 100mph. Officially however, Scotland's own Bob McIntyre holds that title - because a close inspection showed The Duke only managed 99.97. Geoff's life was never dull. And now the former Sportsman of the Year is honoured once again in a spectacular video. Appropriately, the video comes from Duke Video, the Isle of Man company founded by his son, Peter. It is a fascinating in-depth tribute to one of the world's true champions. Photos and footage never seen before and the recollections from the man himself of some of the highlights and the low points - in a fascinating career. In Pursuit of Perfection is Geoff Duke's complete story, told in fascinating detail, narrated by Murray Walker, and filled with fantastic film from a bygone era. Available to order at www.dukevideo.com
HONDA has embraced new technology constantly throughout its lengthy motorcycle history. And perhaps one of the biggest and recent developments has been the NC 700S, (pictured). As a commuter, the 80mpg machine is probably one of the best today. Its 51BHP is more than adequate for most riders, and it still performs when two-up and touring. On board, it doesn't feel fast - due to that all-new engine which is apparently designed to deliver fuel frugality in abundance. For the commuter or touring rider it has the added advantage of extra stowage - courtesy of the deep lockable compartment between the knees. The fuel tank is actually below the seat and there's a specially designed topbox and traffic-friendly slim line panniers to make filtering in traffic a bit of a breeze. And here's the really interesting bit - our test bike was the auto version, the DCT. Now before you start deriding the “twist 'n' go� option try it! At first, there's an element of fear when you realise there's nothing below that left foot and the clutch is redundant. Get over it and twist from the start and you'll soon find a smooth performing machine that still handles like a proper bike and even lets you change gear - after a fashion- using the thumb switch on the bars. There's no doubt it's a weird sensation initially - but it's one you can get used to fairly easily.
Bond Bike LOOK out for the Honda CRF 250R being ridden by James Bond in his new movie, Skyfall, out next month. And if you get the chance - count the others. No less than 20 CRF models were handed over by Honda to the movie makers. Apart from 007, another CRF was used by the baddie, while a few others were used as Turkish police bikes on the streets of Istanbul.
And if it brings more bikers into the fold, then that has to be a good thing! Auto or manual, the 700S is the perfect all-rounder. Sure it won't break any speed records and there are faster naked bikes around. But what it does deliver apart from recordbreaking fuel figures is a very satisfying and comfortable ride. The upright stance is good in traffic, and on the motorway it's stable in all but the strongest gales.
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HD's cafe racer is ace EDINBURGH HARLEY recently came up with this cafe racer built in their workshops. Essentially it's a 2010 883cc Sportster - but stunningly sculpted into a modern recreation of a “ton-up job�. The fuel tank has been raised and the rear fender chopped and fitted with an LED tail light and mini indicators. It's also had a bigger rear wheel fitted and the forks have been inverted. It comes complete with Brembo brakes and straight flat tracker style bars and an Acropovik exhaust. A lot of hours went into the creation - not least of all the stunning paint job in Candy Bronze and Buttermilk Ivory. It's just one of a few stunning custom jobs from the Edinburgh workshops. They'll even work out something to your own spec!
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Capturing the art of the motorcycle
EVER been tempted to have your bike captured on canvas? Who better to paint it than the exceptionally talented artist, Mr Andrew Macdonald from Glasgow – who's better known around the world as the double of Capt Jack Sparrow or Hollywood's Johnny Depp himself. A lifelong biker himself and owner of an Indian Chief, Andrew has been painting commissions and selling his work around the world for a few years. This summer however, he's been exhibiting in Los Angeles where his work will soon be sold as limited edition prints and feature in galleries and bike showrooms across the States and beyond. “It's exciting and a bit different from what I do most days,” he says. By which he means his alter-ego, Jack Sparrow, who's compered various custom bike shows across Scotland, appeared at numerous music festivals and even the Tall Ships event on the Clyde. His work sells for upwards of £1,200 and he's featured BSA, Triumph, Harleys and of course his beloved Indian on canvas. “I like the traditional bikes, old school designs and I've painted a few 1970s machines for friends and clients,” he adds. “When I get back from the States, I'm hoping to get back into the painting. There's nothing better than just switching on Classic FM and putting the work together.” To see more of Andrew's colourful, detailed and individual work, you can take a peek at his website www.andrewbryantmacdonald.com And don't be scared to get in touch with him, if you are thinking about committing you and/or your bike to canvas. He's a great guy to talk too and he'll keep your right regarding what's possible.
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What is and who are the SACU Management and Organisation? The Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) is the recognised governing body for motorcycle sport in Scotland, made up of affiliated sporting motorcycle clubs. In effect it is a union of Scottish Motorcycle sporting clubs. If you are a member of an affiliated club, then you too are effectively part of the Scottish ACU. It adopts the Handbook and National Sporting Code of the Auto Cycle Union annually, which it has had links with for nearly 100 years. The ACU is the governing body for all types of motorcycle sport in the United Kingdom and is recognised and part of the FIM (Federation International Motocycleste). Some of the ACU rules are modified to suit the specific needs of the various motorcycle sports in the territory of Scotland. These modifications are issued each year after careful consideration by the various sporting committees. The individual sporting rules are available as a download from the SACU website. The individual motorcycle sports are controlled and monitored by what is called "Sporting Disciplines" in the case of the SACU, the sporting committees for
Motocross; Trials; Racing; Quad Racing and Enduro are elected from the membership of our affiliated clubs on an annual basis, normally up to a three year term at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in February each year. Also the SACU company accounts are distributed to member club delegates at the AGM. All the discipline committee members are volunteers, they receive no fees or salaries for their attendance at events other than modest travelling expenses, which they can choose to claim or indeed donate back to their discipline fund. Likewise, the chairperson of each discipline committee is also a member of the SACU Management Committee (Board of Directors); again this is a voluntary position. No SACU director is paid fees or a salary and all these people are involved for the enjoyment and promotion of their chosen motorcycle sport. Thus each sporting element of Motorcycle Sport in Scotland is represented on the main SACU Management Committee. The SACU employ three administration members of staff, these are salaried positions and they are accountable to the SACU Management Committee. For full details of who does what at the SACU please refer to the Organisation Chart, available as a download from the SACU website.