I'm back at Donington, after a 34 year break! The 996 was very willing !! much more than my body was!...LOL Anyway, got around safe and sound and met some really nice peeps....
Ok, I raced my 900ss Bevel in a round of the BOTT. Rutter and Smith were top men at the time...... The race was a mixed affair for me! It all started while being called to the grid,,, on starting my Bevel, it spat back and promptly snapped the kickstart clean off! All was not lost, as a kind marshall, bumped me to the line, BUT, as I found my grid position, I couldn't find neutral! As we waited for the flag to drop, I had to hold it in 1st gear. Unfortunately, my clutch started to overheat and drag! The engine decided to bog down and stall! just as the flag dropped,,,oh shit! now I'm left alone, stranded on the line. For some strange reason no one was willing to wait for me...lol.... Then, another kind marshall, gave me a shove and then the red mist appeared!!.. I left the grid like a scalded cat and overtook several riders, I then caught up with Mr Cathcart, who just held me off, as we passed the chequered flag.. To be honest, if I had one more lap, I would have easily passed him, but as they say " it is, what it is" ...
Always good to hear memories of racing in the 70's and 80's, it seemed to be a much more level playing field when a good rider on a decent bike could get results.. Privateers could sometimes even win a GP round.
