Held over a rugged, oil bound half-mile dirt course, the American style of TT racing couldn’t have been any more different to what British readers of the September 19, 1957, edition of The Motor Cycle were used to.
Luckily, Jack Mercer was on hand to explain: “Revise your ideas, you Isle of Man addicts, about TT racing. Here in the States one of our most popular TT meetings is held on the Peoria track, where a lap is turned in 30 seconds and brakes are almost useless…”
Everett had an easier day than he may have expected; Joe Leonard, winner in 1954 and ’56 and the hot favourite, had (says Jack) “… broken a bone in his left foot a week earlier while racing for peanuts on the rough, half-mile track at Santa Fe Park in Chicago”.
Still, Everett was made to fight for his victory, with Howk chasing him all the way. Ed Kretz, who can be glimpsed behind, came through third on his Triumph, with Dick Mann – to go on to a long and successful career – in fourth, though Mann did better in the 45 cu in (750cc) class, finishing runner-up to fellow BSA rider Al Gunter.
