Neil Kelly
It was actually a Velocette 1-2 in the 1967 500cc Production TT, with Keith Heckles finishing second on anther Thruxton entered by Geoff Dodkin. By the time Kelly managed to kick start his Reg Orpinentered Thruxton into life, the rest of the starters in the 500 class had disappeared, yet by the end of the opening lap, Kelly was 8 seconds in the lead from Heckles – a gap he maintained until the finish. Kelly’s fastest time through the Speed Trap was 118.0 mph (189.9 km/h) and his average for the three laps 89.89 mph (144.72 km/h). ■