Thank you for that, Ken. I had been trying to remember the frame that Mike was using on that racer. I kept grinding it over in my little mind, sure that it wasn't a Seeley but I just couldn't remember that it was a Vendetta. He began using that frame (or an earlier model of it) when we were working together in England in the 70s but I just couldn't remember the maker. And some little part of my shriveled brain tells me that he changed to different frame design later in the time that he was racing. Am I right on this, and if so, what was his later frame?Those were the glory days, Jim. I was in a lot of those races with you and Mick, but nowhere near as fast. This is a shot of Mick about to pass me in the Omega (Turn 4) at Willow in 1984. I'm on my Production Racer, and I think Micki was still using the Vendetta framed Norton at that time.
View attachment 98701
Ken
Thank you for that, Ken. I had been trying to remember the frame that Mike was using on that racer. I kept grinding it over in my little mind, sure that it wasn't a Seeley but I just couldn't remember that it was a Vendetta. He began using that frame (or an earlier model of it) when we were working together in England in the 70s but I just couldn't remember the maker. And some little part of my shriveled brain tells me that he changed to different frame design later in the time that he was racing. Am I right on this, and if so, what was his later frame?
We first reconnected in person about 2009 when Mike had retired from his graphic design and ad business in California and moved to Tennessee, I'm glad to say that we've been able to spend time together fairly often since then. We also had a couple of good days with Brian Slark at the Barber Vintage weekend in October. I'm pleased to have worked with Mike at Wolverhampton and Shenston (on the Rotary project) and it's always good to see him.
Thank you, Ken. Yes, it was the Rickman that I was thinking of as his second Norton (although I never saw it). Mick (I tend to call him Mike because that was what Bob Trigg always called him) sold his Ducati about the time that he came to Tennessee, I think. The first time that we re-connected in TN, we talked about the decision to leave racing. He was feeling pretty good about at that time.These are pictures of the bike a few months after the IOM adventure. In the group picture, I'm the old guy with white hair second from the left. Scott is to my left.
Ken
Thank you, Ken. Yes, it was the Rickman that I was thinking of as his second Norton (although I never saw it). Mick (I tend to call him Mike because that was what Bob Trigg always called him) sold his Ducati about the time that he came to Tennessee, I think. The first time that we re-connected in TN, we talked about the decision to leave racing. He was feeling pretty good about at that time.
I'm sorry to hear about Scott's experience at the IoM, that must be a letdown after going so far - and making such an investment. Does Scott still have that motorcycle?
Best, BH