Remembering Bob Smith

Ian Baillie’s letter in last month’s OBM brought back fond memories of Bob Smith, the fearless road racer from St Helens who was an absolute master on British and international circuits, particularly my local one, Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough in the mid-1970s and early 1980s.

A naturally gifted rider who took on and beat some of the best in the world, including Barry Sheene, Mick Grant, Wayne Gardner, and Roger Marshall to name just a few, Bob was a member of the Great Britain Transatlantic Trophy team in 1981 which beat an allstar American team that featured Freddie Spencer and Randy Mamola.

He could ride any bike, and one which sticks in my mind was the beautiful RGB Weslake, on which he won the very first UK Battle Of The Twins title. Always approachable, he was an ever smiling and unassuming, humble man who never looked for attention, very much in the mould of the late great Joey Dunlop. He just let his racing do the talking and seemed to truly enjoy the paddock life and meeting his many fans. And often with very little sponsorship, especially in the early years.

There’s a wonderful article written by Rachel Clegg in Classic Racer #180 July/August 2016, in which she gives an in-depth account of Bob, his life before racing (which brought a smile to my face), and his incredible life on and off the track, which was so tragically cut short following an accident at one of his favourite circuits, Oliver’s Mount, in September 1981. He was only 32.

Bob achieved so much in such a short time and undoubtedly would have gone into greater success had he not been taken from us too soon. His passing was a terrible tragedy and a shock to everyone in his family and the many fans who saw him in action on track and in the paddock. Bob will never be forgotten by those who witnessed his outstanding talent, bravery and above all his humility and the selfeffacing manner which he approached life. A lovely human being.

Ian is very lucky to own a bike once owned and no doubt prepared by Bob. I’ve no doubt it’ll be pretty rapid!!

Andy Pickard, Scarborough