Under the Chequered Flag
Peter Middleton
PETER MIDDLETON was born and raised in Cootamundra NSW and served an apprenticeship in the Motor Trade and the Aircraft Maintenance industries.
His interest in motorcycles commenced around 16 years of age, when he joined the Cootamundra Motor Cycle Sports Club and became involved in club activities at the Club Meemar Short Circuit track. He began Short Circuit competition on 250cc and 350cc Velocettes at circuits around the Riverina. He was quite competitive and won a number of Riverina titles.
After about two years he obtained a 500cc JAP engine and installed it in a BSA frame as was the practice at the time. Peter’s favourite circuit was Wambanumba at Young, NSW where he competed against many top riders of the period. Marriage and family responsibilities in 1967 required him to retire from short circuit racing, but he maintained his interest in motorcycles, owning a number of BMW GS and Yamaha trail bikes.
In 1971 he relocated to Sydney and commenced employment with TAFE as an instructor in the Aircraft section in Ultimo. After about three years he transferred to the Automotive section at Bankstown TAFE then moved to
Tumut TAFE, then to the Wagga TAFE in 1982 as head teacher, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. After his retirement he operated an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at the Wagga Airport, as he held a LAME Licence. He owned and restored a number of Classic Aircraft and enjoyed attending vintage aircraft events in NSW and VIC. He suffered poor health during the past three years and died on 27th December 2021 aged 78. He is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren. ■