Shropshire Star

Chance to see first sidecar driver to lap at 100mph at Isle of Man TT

Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the West Midlands travel to Shropshire this weekend for a classic show with a very special guest.

Published
Dick Greasley

The 23rd Shropshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Show and Autojumble is taking place this Sunday at Wistanstow Village Hall, near Craven Arms.

One of the most popular annual events for West Midlands motorcycle enthusiasts, which gets massive crowds, over the years it show has attracted an astonishing roll call of guest speakers including big names such as Phil Read MBE, Tony Rutter, Tommy Robb, Percy Tait and Stuart Graham.

It has also raised more than £60,000 for Wistanstow School, a registered charity.

This year is no exception and sidecar ace Dick Greasley will be the guest of honour. Dick, from Market Drayton, was the first sidecar driver to lap the Isle of Man at 100mph and a serious world championship sidecar contender during the sport's heyday in the late seventies. He has asked for his fee to be donated to the Manx Grand Prix Helicopter Fund. Finn Galtress, for the show, said: "It's a generous gesture and entirely in keeping with a show that has always been a non profit making venture, put on for the benefit of the local school."

Amongst the star bikes appearing at this year's show is Robert Dunlop's fearsome Norton RCW race bike. This is the bike on which Robert famously won the 1990 NW200 Superbike race reaching speeds of over 190mph. Finn said: "Race enthusiasts will remember the distinctive wail of these controversial machines when, for a brief period, the likes of Haslam, Cull, Spray, Nation and Dunlop dominated the UK race scene. Mechanic Dave Evans was a key member of the Norton team during that period and Dave will be on hand at the show and has promised to start the bike up to remind us just how special these bikes were."

The appeal of the Shropshire show has always been its friendly village atmosphere combined with exotic classic bikes and an autojumble. Sponsored by the Wood Brewery, The Plough Inn will be serving a special brew 'Twist Grip Bitter'.

The show takes place at Wistanstow Village Hall from 10.30am with entry £3 per person. Wistanstow Primary School PTA will be serving hot and cold food throughout the day.The hall lies just off the A49 north of Craven Arms. For further details email wistanstowbikeshow@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.shropshirevintagebikeshow.co.uk. Alternatively call Leigh on 01588 672 751.

Dick is pictured taking the 100mph record lap in 1977.

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