Book Review
“Motorcycle Racing with the Continental Circus – 1920 to 1970”
Author: Chris Pereira Foreword: Chris Pereira Published by: Veloce, Poundbury Business Centre, Middle Farm Way, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3WA Tel: 01305 260068
Email: sales@veloce.co.uk Fax: 01305 250479
Format: Hardback, 207 x 250mm (portrait); 96 pages with 92 colour and black and white photographs. Third reprint.
ISBN: 978-1-787117-78-5/UPC 6-36847-01778-1 £15.99 (UK); $21 (USD), $27 (CAD), $30 (AUD).
The term “Continental Circus” originated with Graham Walker, prewar TT winner, Rudge ‘works’ rider and editor of Motor Cycling magazine. It was his description of the British (generally works) riders’ travels to the Continent to race in Grand Prix events in the 1920s and 30s.
This book is a tribute to the men and women who earned their living from 1920 to 1970 on the circuits of Europe – for the racers an exciting and nomadic existence, fraught with danger, but for some, ultimately rewarding.
The Continental Circus came to an end with the onset of the Second World
War but was revived in the early 1950s. At this time, it was mainly private riders from Britain and the former Commonwealth countries of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada who formed the bulk of the participants.
Life for the Continental Circus rider in the 1950s and 60s was potentially dangerous right from the start, with ever-present threats of serious injury or death. Most of the circuits they raced on were, by today’s standards, lethal public road circuits, surrounded by street furniture, houses, brick walls and often with indifferent surfaces, ranging from cobblestones to traffic-polished roads, which were extremely slippery when wet. A total of 34 riders and passengers, including world champions and title contenders, are known to have lost their lives on the Continent during these two decades.
While the works riders could rely on good prize money for a podium finish, as well as retaining fees, start money and bonuses, the privateers often received very little start money at the major GPs. This forced the ‘circus’ competitors to travel (often in converted, but lumbering, ex-Army lorries and ambulances), from Spain to Finland, to ride in nonchampionship events on the way, where the organisers were more generous.
Written by the late Chris Pereira, an author with racing experience, as well as being a motorcycle historian, this book gives a fascinating account of the experiences of private riders who raced on the Continent, some achieving fame and works support. It is also interesting to read about Richard Morley, who raced as a development engineer for the Moto Parilla factory. Historical records of race results and original period photographs from the author’s own library also feature.
An excellent read and an important addition to our motorcycle history.
Highly recommended.