Held in the ground floor of one of the racecourse grandstands, the show had a wide variety of machinery, ranging from a rare Wassell 175cc trials bike to the Landspeed racing 600cc Indian Scout of Chris Ireland and the increasing interest in American flat-track racing was evident by a stand packed with colourful examples of the genre. For many, Kempton was also a first opportunity to see the reborn Brough Superior.
At 2pm, some of the exhibiting bikes were wheeled out and fired up. An hour later, the organising team was busy distributing the rosettes to the award winners.
Best in Show went to the owner (who did not wish to be identified) of the AJS 7R scrambles bike once raced by Brian Leask. Developed for long-distance events, the bike was considerably modified, including a capacity hike to 500cc. Although quick, the bike suffered such bad vibration that the rider would lose the skin from his hands on races such as the Pirbright 100-mile. The winners were presented with their awards by the man behind the legendary Dresda name, Dave Degens.
BEST IN SHOW
Brian Leask, AJS 7R scrambler
TRIALS
Winner: G. Eaves, 175 Wassell
Highly Commended: C. Wright, 1950 350 Douglas
SCRAMBLES
Winner: J. Marchant, 1967 BSA Victor GP 441
Highly Commended: M. Pocock, 1959 AJS 650CSR
ENDURO/ISDT
Winner: Eddie Turner, 1950 350 Douglas ISDT
Highly Commended: A. Frearson, 500 Cheney Victor ISDT Rep
GRASS TRACK
Winner: J. Webb, 1965 500 Hagon
Highly Commended J. Webb, 1970 500 Hagon LTR
SPEEDWAY
Winner: Colin Knight, 1952 Rotrax JAP
Highly Commended: Colin Knight, 1928 500 Rudge DT
ROAD RACING
Winner: Ray Marchant, 1973 MV Agusta Agostini
Highly Commended: C. Chapman, Peckett & McNab Triumph
SPRINT
Winner: Eddie Turner, 1931 600 Douglas Sprinter
Highly Commended: John Renwick, Vincent outfit
LANDSPEED
Winner: Chris Ireland, 1942 600 Indian Scout
Highly commended: Simon Rees, 1976 750s/c Triumph
FLAT TRACK
Winner: Paul Mansell, 1975 Champion XS650/750
Highly Commended: Paul Scott, Flat Track mini bike
BEST CLUB STAND
Friends of Speedway, Vincent Owners’ Club
