Flat out BSA fun

British interest in the American sport of flat-track has increased since the style became popularised, initially by custom builders looking for something different.

Would-be flat-track racers in this country are mainly restricted to far shorter British speedways, so smaller capacity Japanese machines prevail.

Adrian Soames is kicking the trend with his home-built rigid-frame BSA B31, seen here at Iwade, Kent.

He machined more than 8lb from the crank flywheels then fitted the top half of a CB34 Gold Star. The many other modifications included fabricating his own fuel and oil tanks.

Before the British big twins became prevalent, a Gold Star was a common choice for American flat-track racers. Adrian Soames with and, below, on, his tribute version.