The Silver Haired Scooterist

BRITISH SCOOTER

GRASS TRACK

CHAMPIONSHIP

1972 Pt 2

 

In 1972 I set out to become the overall champion in the BSGTC for the third consecutive year.  My trifecta dreams evaporated in the last round at Manchester.  Four points clear at the top of the table was a small but reasonable lead until a puncture in my qualifying heat ended my campaign.  Full details below in the Scooter World article.

The 72 title was awarded to Alan Keane one of the most skilful, modest and unassuming riders on the circuit.  Kevin Walkman came in second with myself in third place.  Why Kevin never became an overall champion, in any given year, is beyond me as he was one of the most exciting riders to watch with his cavalier attitude to racing.

I will always remember the 1972 year as the most fiercely contested and exhilarating on record.

The three of us, pictured right, formed the team ‘Lost Property’ and had considerable success in team races over the years.

L-R KEVIN WALKMAN ALAN KEANE DAVE OLDLAND

BSGTC Group
BSGTC Pt2 Carousel 2
BSGTC Pt2 Carousel

VESPA 98 CORSA CIRCUITO-1947 The Vespa 98 Corsa was built specifically to show the world that the capacity of the small scooter could be competitive in races. The great swarm of Vespa which was growing in the streets and squares of Italy, motivated Enrico Piaggio to produce an aggressive vehicle, which could be an on-track winner. The first to ride the Vespa 98 on circuit was Giuseppe Cau who triumphed in the Monte Mario Hill Climb in 1947. The Vespa 98 Corsa (Circuit) was built for speed and stood for innovation. The body was hand-built with a steel frame. The brakes were drum, equipped with rear air vents for cooling. The gearbox was a three-speed unit, which enabled throttle control and cooling happened through a forced air ventilation. Its original color was red, that’s why this model was also known as the small "fireball".