Mick Ofield racing on Norton at Willow Springs

jseng1 · Aug 22, 2022

Here's a great vid of Mick Ofield on his 750 Norton at Willow springs.
Mick gave me a ton of technical help.

elefantrider · Aug 24, 2022

What a good rider to make a move in fast reducing radius turn 9.

lcrken · Aug 24, 2022

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.

Mick Ofield racing on Norton at Willow Springs

Ken

1973x75 · Aug 24, 2022

Mark Mcaffrey, who owned Rocket Motorcycles talked me into buying my Commando in the early 90’s by describing what it was like to be on one in the “heat of battle” at Willow Springs. Maybe you’ve heard of him?

Blewdy Yaink · Dec 12, 2022

lcrken said:
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.

lcrken · Dec 13, 2022

Blewdy Yaink said:
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.

Mick raced the Vendetta for quite a few years, until it had cracked and been repaired too many times. He had a new Rickman frame built to his order, and raced that up until he and Hillary were divorced. Hillary ended up with the Rickman and the Yamaha (TD350?), and Mick with the Ducatis. Hillary had mutual friend Scott Fabro race the Norton for her until her death. It then passed to Scott, who continued to race it in local vintage and BOTT races. In 2013 Scott took it to the IOM to race, but had a non-riding injury to his foot, and was unable to start the race. He did manage some practice time. This is a picture of Scott at the start of practice.

I have a few other pictures of the bike, but for some reason I can't seem to attach them. I'll try later.

Ken

lcrken · Dec 13, 2022

I refurbished the Rickman for Scott in 2010. I went through everything, but Scott did not want to have any cosmetic improvement. He liked the original patina. These are a couple of pictures of the finished bike without the fairing.

Ken

lcrken · Dec 13, 2022

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

Blewdy Yaink · Dec 13, 2022

lcrken said:
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

lcrken · Dec 13, 2022

Blewdy Yaink said:
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

Yes, Scott still has the bike. I see him once or twice a year. Last time I saw him, he was still doing an occasional race, but not on the Norton.

Ken

Mick Ofield racing on Norton at Willow Springs

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