MOTOR CYCLING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 20 June 1931, Page 7

MOTOR CYCLING

ISLE OF MAN T.T. CONTESTS

BRITISH SUCCESSES FOREIGNERS OUTCLASSED (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, 19th June. Speeds considerably exceeding those I’eached in previous years were attained in the Isle of Man when the Tourist Trophy senior motor cycle race was contested’ with the keenest rivalry by 56 competitors, representing entries from nine countries. Circuits of 38 miles had to be covered seven times and included mountain passes, extremely steep gradients, and sharp elbow corners. Fresh circuit records were established every few minutes, several exceeding 80 miles an hour.

Foreign machines seemed unable to maintain the strain and pace involved, and the race resolved itself into a duel between home competitors. It was eventually won by Percy Hunt on a Norton machine. His average speed was 77.9 miles an hour. Norton machines ridden by Cuthrie and Woods were second and third respectively, and two Rudges ridden by Notfc and Walker were fourth and fifth.'

Hunt beat last year’s winning time by 1 oV|r 10 minutes.

DEATH OF F, C. HICKS

The event was marred by the death of F C. Hicks, one of tho most famous riders, whose machine skidded throwing him on his head as he was making an attempt to overtake the leaders. Hicks held many world records. He took first place in the French Grand Prix two years ago, when British riders won all the prizes. There were also several minor casualties.

(Reference, to this year’s T.T. races will be found in the motoring column on page 4 of this issue.)