FINAL FLING
The Bridgestone team returned to Japan without achieving its ambition to race in the Isle of MANTT, however later in the year the team turned out again at Suzuka for the Japanese TT with Morishita, Findlay and Tommy Robb, who was drafted into the team. The following year was the last year Bridgestone raced officially, as in 1967 the parent tyre company was under big pressure from other Japanese manufacturers to close its motorcycle production which it reluctantly did at the end of 1968. Mr Hara who was the main designer had also designed the Tohatsu 125 Grand Prix racer and had also been busy designing the GTR350 which had many unique features. Bill Smith was keen to promote any racing activity for Bridgestone and had provided Northern Ireland enthusiast Brian Cartwright with a 350 GTR unit which Brian installed in a Bultaco 250 frame. It was first raced in the Southern 100, in 1967, where Bill had a race long battle for the lead in the 350 class with Charlie Williams on a Dugdale 350 Yamaha, and it was subsequently the winner of the 350cc class at the Ulster Grand Prix, which was held at Bishops Court in 1967 due to the rioting in Northern Ireland. Bill never raced a Bridgestone again as he was informed that the factory was to stop motorcycle production at the end of 1968 bringing to an end a short but illustrious period for the company.
“BRIDGESTONE INTERESTED BILL, WHO SIGNED UP TO BECOME BRIDGESTONE IMPORTER FOR THE UK.”