Keith Heckles 1934-2010

The World of motorcycling lost one of its most popular characters with the passing of Liverpudlian ace Keith Heckles on the 16 January.

Although Keith was known as a Liverpool lad he was born in Crawley, Surrey and it was only thanks to Mr Hitler’s blitz that forced his family to relocate to Merseyside, just in time for the Luftwaffe to turn their attention to the area.

With a motorcycling father it was almost inevitable that young Keith would take to two wheels, but early rides on dad’s Autocycle could have given no hint of the racing success that Keith would later enjoy.

By 1959 the road going Heckles Gold Star was stripped for racing and he made his debut on the long Aintree circuit and before the end of that season he had his first taste of the Manx Grand Prix.

That first Manx didn’t go quite to plan, with a lost sump plug and sticking throttle being just a couple of the problems, but Keith made the start but a close encounter with Sulby Bridge ended his race.

However, success in the Island followed, with a runner up spot in the 1967 Production TT being a high point. But lady luck always seemed to desert Keith in the September races and he was without doubt the best rider never to win a Manx.

Keith was an all round motorcyclist and was quietly proud of the small collection of bikes that graced his workshop, especially his Beart Norton, on which he came so close to that elusive MGP victory.

Life wasn’t always kind to Keith, but through personal tragedy and illness he never lost his sense of humour or his zest for fun. He leaves two sons, Paul and Mark, both of whom he was very proud.

I am pleased to have been able to call Keith a good friend and without him the world of motorcycling will be the poorer. God speed old mate.

Malc Wheeler
Classic Racer Magazine

TT Challenge - comic strip

We've recently heard from Dermot in Canada who writes:

"I have long been interested in Vintage motorcycle Racing....especially the early Isle of Man TT.
I recently put together a short story to honor Stanley Woods' efforts in 1922 / you can see it here : http://zoomfrog.blogspot.com/
It's the least I could manage......although I wish I had the time to do it more justice.....a longer format / I did it on spec but a graphic novel publisher has promised to buy it and feature it in an upcoming issue........so the youth of today will continue to learn from his example! I hope some of Stanleys friends like Joe Wood and Dave Crawford have a chance to see it
Thanks !
Dermot ( in Canada )"

Tuxworth slides into the TTRA chair

Article by Malcolm Wheeler, Kindly reproduced from Classic Racer magazine

In keeping with tradition incoming TT Riders’ Association president Neil Tuxworth rode into the annual luncheon, held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, but not on a road race bike. Avid sand race fan Neil chose his Honda 250 sand racer, a bike on which he has had over 1500 race wins, to rattle the chandeliers.

In an acceptance speech that kept the 600 guests hushed for 30 minutes Tuxworth, who manages the whole of Honda’s race effort, on two and four wheels and in the water in the UK, talked only briefly about his own successful racing career, preferring to pay tribute to latter day stars like Freddie Frith and Mike Hailwood.

The second recipient of the Allan and Wyn Robinson Rose Bowl, presented for outstanding effort, was to a shocked Tony East, outgoing chairman of the Friends of the TTRA.

During his time in the chair Tony and his wife Pat have raised tens of thousands of pounds through fundraising activities at their museum in Kirk Michael in the Isle of Man.

Among the messages received from members unable to attend the luncheon through age or infirmity was a poignant message from 94 years young Ernie Lyons. Sadly Ernie lost his wife Bessie in June this year, but thankfully he hasn’t lost his charming Irish wit. His note said: “I’m on the last lap, almost at the top of the Mountain climb, but the fuel level is low, I may run out. Best wishes and enjoy your day.”

Malcolm Wheeler,
Classic Racer Magazine

DEREK MORTIMER  

Derek was aged 70 and lived in Bolton, Lancashire.
His racing career began in the early 1960`s; riding Manx Nortons and BSA Goldstars, in nationals and club events, around the U.K.

A switch to the Japanese two strokes, in the early 1970`s, saw him become one of the very first Maxton Yamaha pioneers; and he rode to many club championships at Aintree, Oulton Park, Croft and Carnaby.
Derek first rode the TT in 1973; and anyone who ever stayed at the Grasmere Hotel, in Douglas during the 1980`s, will remember him well. The pinnacle of his Isle of Man racing was in 1978, when he was runner up to Bill Smith in the F3 event; which was a one-off World Championship event at the time.

He retired from racing, after his last TT in 1980, and took up the role of mechanic for his son Richard; who is also a TTRA member.
He was familiar and popular figure around the road racing paddocks in the 1990`s as his skills, as a talented engine builder and welder, could always be bought for the loan of a cigarette. He ended his direct involvement in the sport in 1998; and since spent most of his time in his beloved village of Medano in Tenerife.

Derek Mortimer died on 18th July, 2008, in hospital, after a long battle with cancer. He sadly leaves a wife Maureen and two sons Simon and Richard.

T.T.RIDERS.56TH ANNUAL LUNCHEON.  

Local support made its presence at the once again successful day held at the National Motorcycle Museum.B’ham. Approx 500 special guests and members enjoyed a feast of great company.

The new President Nick Jefferies was enrobed  with his Chain of Office by the outgoing President Mick Grant who was thanked for his great input for 2005-2006.  
Nick then performed the traditional entrance on the Triumph G.Prix bike to the excitement of everyone.kindly loaned by the Museum. Great names are always present to mention but a few. Geoff Duke OBE. Greame Crosby, Luigi Taveri, Tony Rutter, Neil Tuxworth, Tony Jefferies, Bob Heath  Mick Boddice,  Selwyn and Jason Griffiths  and many more.
Patrons present were Murray Walker OBE and Mr Michael Sutton.Chairman of Sutton Warehousing and Distribution (St Helens). Lord March (Goodwood) sadly could not attend this year.
Thank you all for your continued generosity. The fund raising Auction which is the high spot of the day raised a tremendous amount of money which goes to assisting TT Riders past and present and families in need. This being the  Associations main purpose.

Thanks for donations to the auction must go to IOM Steam Packet, Manx2.Com flights and IOM Post who were all very generous with free travel tickets and postage costs for mail distribution.Also, Friends of the TT Riders Association for their substantial donation and support on the day by Tony & Pat East.

The formal proceedings closed with the President riding out on his winning Honda RC 30 to a rapturous applause. As usual the event  was ably compered by Charlie Williams with his usual aplomb.

If you have raced in the IOM TT and need an application form to join this prestigious and worthy Association or alternatively are interested in joining our Friends of the TT Riders Association (FOTTRA) please contact Mrs Frances Thorp

• For details 01624 843695.For details of the Annual Luncheon, November 21st 2007, and list of auction items please see bulletin 59.

Multi-TT winner Dave Saville dies

Dave Saville passed away this morning, 7 March 2006. Quadraplegic since 1993 following a tragic accident at the Manx Grand Prix classic races, Dave was best known for his heroics on the Sabre Racing F2 sidecar, particularly at the TT where he shared a top score of nine victories with Mick Boddice and Siegfried Schauzu.

An integral part of the Bawtry based Brindley sidecar clan, Dave’s first TT was back in the 1968 750cc race when he finished 10th. It took several attempts but he took his first win in the F2 A race in 1985 and went on to win either one or both races each year up to and including 1990.

His accident resulted in seven years in Southport Spinal Injuries Unit before he returned home, though still needing round the clock care. He missed the Island greatly and a terrific effort by his family and friends succeeded in him being present for a fund raising event at Sulby Glen Hotel, last September.

His efforts and those of his family to give him as near normal a life as possible since the accident is a story of untold bravery and determination. His passing, though very sad, is without doubt a blessing.

NEWS TO ADD?
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