Philip Bewley followed by Henry Brooks and Michael Edwards (Tim Morris).
to keep the momentum going. A couple of trikes were seen on two wheels, but there were no spills apart from the odd crushed cone, particularly at ‘Paddock Bend’ where the temptation to take a tight line seemed irresistible to quite a few riders. The winner was number two, Robert Lusk’s trike, ridden on the day by John Rhodes, as a last minute change, Robert having been in hospital the day before. Not bad for a sub! Second was Philip Bewley, followed by Roy Tubby again.
Scratch race The third and final race was the most challeng- ing. With the clock ticking down to the originally planned end of the meeting, the time-table having been extended due to the large entry, we ran all the surviving trikes on the Track together in the last race. Sticking to the original 1897 format in the first two races (heats and a final for each contest), there was no requirement to do this for our Five Mile Club Championship race. So the entire field was entered as a scratch race; those with gearboxes could start with the motor on; pushers were allowed for direct-drive models. On the oval track once the competitors had settled into their natural rhythm the field would be spread out around the circuit.
As the Union Flag was waved it was an ex-
traordinary sight. This was the largest tricycle race in Britain ever (even in period) and, as in France they tended to mainly race on the public highway, probably the largest track race in that country as well. As we headed for ‘Banking Corner’, it was clear that there were some very determined racers who had ditched any caution and nerves in the earlier races and were just going for it. As the faster ones made their way through the field, there
42
Bernard Holmes ahead of Mark Bennett-Odlum (Tim Morris).
were up to three abreast down the fastest section, ‘Test Hill Straight’. ‘Paddock Bend’ was tricky as three lines emerged, inside, mid and outside. Not necessarily chosen at the outset by the rider, but to just to get Track space in the tight bend. One rider hit the safety barriers which took the impact, no damage done. This was the same corner where, in practice, one rider was called up to the chief marshal for exceeding track limits; no second offences were allowed on such a tight
Henry Brooks leading this group (Tim Morris).
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