THE WAY WE WERE IN AUGUST

1920

It is claimed an ill wind blows nobody any good, but strong winds on Wednesday, August 18, 1920, helped entrants of the Brooklands one kilometre speed trials, including the only Class A1 entrant – solo motorcycles up to 275cc. Walter Jacobs, riding his old 248cc Singer, broke the track’s flying start kilometre record with 58.87mph, but was just a fraction too slow over the mile to complete a double.

Although no further records were broken, many including Les Bailey (348cc Douglas at 69.47mph),

Victor Horsman (490cc Norton, 81.05mph), Reuben Harveyson (998cc Indian, 88.77mph), Victor Gayford (744cc Zenith s/c, 73.1mph) and Ted Baragwaneth (986cc Zenith s/c, 71.65mph) posted fast times.

Deteriorating conditions slowed the three lap scratch races– winners were Les Bailey (348cc Douglas)

350cc class at 59.94mph, Eric Porter (399cc ABC) 500cc class at 70.69mph and Eric Remington (986cc NUT) unlimited class at 71.84mph.

As 36 set off for the allcomers three lap handicap, the heavens opened causing instant flooding, and the race was stopped. After the storm, PCunningham (499cc P&M) won the two lap Ealing Handicap at 49.81mph.