The day the music died

I would just like to thank MSL for invoking some cherished memories with your recent article about Ago’s last ride on the MV on the Brands Hatch full circuit.

As the bikes were wheeled out on to the start line I can clearly remember myself and a friend racing round to the back of the circuit, out of the way of the tannoys in order that we could hear, in full, the glorious sound of the MV, in anger, for the last time.

As we took our place at the deserted Hawthorn corner we could already hear the distinctive blipping of the MV’s throttle as it was wheeled to the start line.

Then came the warm-up lap, a mere taster for what was to follow shortly.

All the time around the entire circuit the MV’s exhaust note could be heard above the many screaming two-strokes.

Then, as the flag dropped and Ago pinned the throttle our excitement levels rose as quickly as the MV’s revs and we waited in glorious anticipation for Ago to appear.

As we were stood on the inside of Hawthorns we were certainly not to be disappointed as, if my memory serves me correctly, he appeared in the lead. We could clearly see his steely blue eyes through his clear visor and then as he cleared the apex of Hawthorns we saw him grab a handful of the MV’s throttle to fire him down the Derek Minter straight.

Lap after glorious lap we stood glued to the spot, mesmerised by the pure sensation of seeing and hearing motorcycle legends in perfect harmony with one another.

We left Brands that day extremely happy, if a little deaf, in the knowledge that we’d just witnessed true greatness, and something never to be repeated in anger again.

Not only was it a magical moment for Ago, but it was without doubt a truly magical moment for me and Geoff, one never to be forgotten.

Dave Holt

That sounds like a truly magical experience, Dave. I wish I’d been there! Maybe next time – oh, wait…

Mikko Nieminen