Fox on the run
I was most interested in the Tracks in Time article about Bathurst 1951 (OBA 61) as this was the only meeting at Bathurst that I ever rode solo at; a virtual road race beginner on my 1937 250cc 2H Triumph in the Lightweight class. At the time the late Frank McNamara was very keen to give his new 596cc DOHC Manx Norton outfit an outing in the Jubilee Sidecar TT, with his brother-in-law Jim Sutherland as rider and with Frank as passenger, and he offered to take me and my Triumph along for the week. We had accommodation at the Fitness camp and there were three days of practice prior to the event, and we took part in two. Happily I had no trouble whatsoever with my Triumph in the race, with it actually doing 100 mph on the long downhill Conrod Straight on 50/50 Petrol/Benzol. I soon settled into sixth spot chasing Richard Hardyman on his Rudge. As I rounded the last corner before the finish, I saw Hardyman jump off his bike and start pushing furiously towards the flag (obviously having mechanical problems) and I passed him which brought me fifth. Never a brilliant (or brave) solo rider I thought this was pretty good out of around 30 entries for a beginner. I still have the trophy for the placing. Sutherland (who is still alive and living at Portland in Victoria) brought the Manx home for third, as was mentioned in his photo, after a very slow push start. I will be 90 on January 10 and I am still licensed to ride an over-50cc motorcycle on the road. Laurie Fox, OAM Mount Gambier, SA