Derek Hutchings
As a teenager DEREK HUTCHINGS migrated to Queensland in 1949 from the UK. Derek began racing his 350 Gold Star BSA at Lowood and Strathpine, both ex-WW2 airstrips, as well as the Southport road circuit. Returning to the UK for the 1958 racing season, he had a bad crash at the last Brands Hatch meeting. Deciding to return to Brisbane, he bought a new Francis Barnett 250 Scrambler in road trim and with new wife Betty on the pillion, rode across Europe to Asia before boarding a boat to complete their return home. Once again the Gold Star resumed road racing and the Francis Barnett was converted back to scrambles trim to compete in Short Circuits and Scrambles at Johntone Park, Heit Park and Mandaly. When Lakeside opened the Gold Star competed at the first and subsequent meetings for the next decade. Several outings at the Easter Bathurst meetings followed, with a Honda CR93 125 and a 650 Triton joining the stable. A founding member of the Motorcycle Sportsmen, he worked tirelessly as an official, including Clerk of the Course at Lakeside. Ill health in recent years slowed Derek and on 4th April he passed away peacefully at home, aged 87.