Cover art.

Welcome to the first in a new occasional series, where we take a look at the covers of some motorcycling-related publications, from magazines, books, programmes and sales literature.

For at least three seasons – 1960, 1961 and 1962 – motorcycle races at the Norfolk circuit of Snetterton had the same cover, this stylised effort promoting The MotorCycle magazine, featuring this rather splendid pair of generic road racers, on non-specific machinery too.

Using just two colours – three if one includes the white background – the blue was of course to link it toTheMotor Cycle, event sponsor (“The fastest way to the facts”). There is a signature to the right of the image (Graham Horne?), but then there’s clear and simple fonts, though the overall effect is more 1950s than 1960s. The same layout was used in those three seasons with just date changes.

The back cover, on seven examples examined, all featured an advert for Motor Cycling, this particular one advertising the publication’s ‘TT excursion 1962.’ (“See the TT the cheapest, easiest way”).

Themeeting itself had attracted a decent entry, topped byMikeHailwood, programmed on a 350cc AJS and 500cc Norton, and a ‘not specified’ 250cc entry, but on the day he arrivedwith a pair of four-cylinder MVs and scratched his quarter litre ride. He duly won all he entered, winning the 500cc final from Matchless G50-riding Roy Mayhew (who won the other qualifier), Tony Godfrey and DerekMinter (both Norton). Tragically, Mayhew was killed a few weeks later in a crash at Brands Hatch.

The 350cc final – for which there were three qualifying races, first 12 to the final – was Hailwood from Mayhew (AJS), while other winners on the day included Dan Shorey (lightweight Bultacos) and Jackie Beeton (BMWsidecar). Hailwood also set a new outright lap record for motorcycles; previously held by Derek Minter, Norton, at 94.35mph, Hailwood whipped his 500c MV round at

96.21mph, while he set a new 350cc lap record too. That Hailwood easily set new class records, suggests it was perhaps the first time anMV had appeared at Snetterton for some time.