Heavy showers had precluded any runs in the morning, but with the sun and wind drying the old runway, the afternoon looked more optimistic. Unfortunately, the wind was just too strong. The first few riders found themselves being blown off course and the Clerk of Course brought proceedings to a halt.
The following day was better, although battling the strong wind ensured none of the existing class records came under threat. The 500 Racing class went to John Hobbs on ‘Olympus’. He also topped the Unlimited category on ‘The Hobbit’. John explained the bikes were being checked for a short season of nostalgia drag racing.
Quickest of the vintage bikes was the evergreen Henry Body, on his 600cc Douglas. John Young posted a creditable 13.77/98mph on his Triumph-JAP. With a few other NSA members, John is off to Bonneville for the annual Speed Week in August that will mark the centenary of racing on the Salt Flats. Jasper Joy topped the Classic class with 12.55/106mph on his 1974 Triumph Trident.
