1928 continued
THE HISTORY of the
MIDDLESBROUGH & DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB
PART 2
42 of 97
A.C.U. for permission to attempt World Records on them. The speeds returned were
considered remarkable. The Fling Kilo events were responsible for achievements of
speeds that had never before been attained on sand in this country.. Searle on his
490c.c .Norton began the process of making 100 m.p.h. cheap by clocking 21.8secs.
102.61 m.p.h., 500cc. speed not attained anywhere outside pukka track before. With
his 588cc model Searle knocked up the speed
To103.56 m.p.h. When the Superiors got busy even these times paled somewhat for
R.W.Storrey put up 122.01 m.p.h. and George Brough did 116.52 m.p.h. and
J.H.Carr did 106.52 m.p.h., whilst F.W.Dosser on a 348 Velocette did 98.11 m.p.h.
These extraordinary speeds can only be explained by the fact that the surface was
absolutely devoid of bumps and dead hard with a very slight following breeze. The
distance was marked out by a Surveyor from Saltburn and H.M.Ellis was the
timekeeper, a double guarantee that the kilometre was a kilometre and the hand that
stopped the watch was not an amateur's." A.W.Armstrong, H.Whitfield,
R.F.Parkinson tied with 86.04 m.p.h.
The four 20-mile championship races were won as follows:-
T.W.Robinson - 52.52 m.p.h. G.P.Wood - 64.28 m.p.h.
R.F.Earkinson - 63.60 m.p.h. 1000 c.c. J.H.Carr - 64.04 m.p.h.
The final event of the day was the 50-mile handicap for the Gold Gup. The winner
was O.Langton, Scott, riding from scratch, overhauling all the limit men who had up
to 15mins.start- Hls speed was 64.76 m.p.h.. (A photograph of this event taken by
Donald H.Smith of the "MOTORCYCLE" is at the time of writing hung in the
Committee Room).
Attempt on Record on Saltburn Sands, Proposed by George Brough. Reported that
the cost of hlrlng the electrical timing apparatus would be £150. The attempt was
never made.
REDCAR SPEED TRIALS. Following a visit to the Chamber of Trade at Redcar,
Sept.2nd was fixed for the date of the Event. A strong invitation had also been
issued to run a Gymkhana on the Sands (suggested date being Wed.July 11th). The
Redcar tradesmen gave a Gold Watch for the rider making fastest time of the day.
(On the Hon.Sec. going to collect same after the event he was treated to a lecture by
the Chairman, or Secretary, of the Association on courtesy because no letter of
thanks had been sent. He pointed out that it was not usual to write a letter of thanks
until the article had been received.). The Redcar tradesmen subsequently
expressed dissatisfaction at the manner in which their award had been advertised.
A good entry was received but the day was cold and the spectators few, the financial
loss heavy. A.W.Armstrong won the Sidecar Handicap. R.W.Storey made Fastest
Time of the Day with a speed of 101.68 m.p.h. and T.W.Robinson won the Club
Members Handicap for the G.H.Blackburn Memorial Cup.
GYMKHANA ON REDCAR SANDS. was marred by an unfortunate fatal accident. A
motorcycle football match was followed by an attempt to break the record for a long
jump on a motorcycle by Albert Smith. He also planned to jump through a hoop. He
