British Historic Racing 2013 - The Race Bikes

It's been a quiet five months here on Clubman Classics, I put it down to reasons of a 'domestic nature'. Nothing to do with the missus, let's just say I'm learning fast that houses are a bottomless pit of work and money.

Entering both the 250 NSU Manx and the 350 Norton Manx in the BHR races in 2013 means I certainly have my work cut out. It also gives the other team member of Clubman Classics a chance to see the fruits of his winter labour in action more of the time - as long as I don't break them! The list of jobs needed to get both bikes race ready is long and arduous, but with just over a week to go before our first outing at Mallory Park for Round 1 of the British Historic Racing series on April 21st, the machines are very nearly track ready.

Following the last 250cc race of the season at Cadwell Park last year, (I very luckily missed Angela Cragg who came off on the Mountain - I hope she's fully recovered now) and where I secured a result of fourth in class, third if you discount the guest rider, the NSU Manx's motor has had a rebuild with an all-important balance factor adjustment and new timing settings. Last year's machine was underpowered and because of the vibrations difficult to hang on to. The niggling oil leak issues only drained my confidence further.

The 350 Manx on the other hand has had even more work done, including a high-level pipe and Lansdowne-spec fork internals. The last time I rode this bike was at the Spa Bikers Classic in 2011, where it ran rough the whole weekend, with poor handling. Competing on it for the first time in 2013, I'm looking forward to the extra power of a 350, albeit in a very similar chassis to the NSU Manx 250.

With both bikes booked in for rolling road sessions at JHS Racing in Keynsham this week, I can't wait to bump-start the season, hopefully with reliable and competitive companions.

British Historic Racing - Snetterton, Rounds 4 & 5

I was unsure what to expect on my first trip to Snetterton. What I found was a very open, typically British airfield site, carefully disguised as racing circuit by current owners MSV. Snetterton enjoyed its 60th anniversary in 2012, whilst also benefitting from a multi-million pound resurface and re-design. The venue now offers several track layouts, with the VMCC/BHR organisers using the outer-perimeter 200 circuit.

The wind on June 16th 2012 was surprisingly strong and brisk, and with the relatively un-tried and tested NSU Norton 250 as my ride for the day, I was far from brimming with confidence. On top of that, we had a very slight oil leak from the exposed clutch plates which was finding its way onto the back tyre after several laps. After one or two more scary moments at Montreal and (ironically) Chapman corners, I managed to stay on and bag two last places. The bike struggled with vibrations, was down on power and had cold oily tyres! Nevertheless, due to a relatively poor turnout in my class - the Economy Appliances pre-63 250s, I scored points for a fourth place finish.

British Historic Racing - Cadwell Park, Rounds 2 & 3

The NSU 250 Sportmax replica at Cadwell Park on 19 and 20 May, racing in the Economy Appliances pre-1962 250cc race at Rounds 2 & 3 of the BHR championship.

Bottom of the Mountain

Hall Bends

Bottom of the Mountain

British Historic Racing - Mallory Park, Round 1

Round one of the British Historic Racing championships was held at Mallory Park last Sunday 15 April in glorious but chilly sunshine. I decided to ride the tried and tested 1954 NSU Sportmax replica I raced last year in the pre-63 250cc solos as the NSU Norton is still not fully race ready.

Having raced the bike quite a few times last year, I was quietly confident before practice. As it was a sunny, crisp but quite cold day, my mechanic decided to fit a slightly larger carb jet. The bike felt faster than I remembered it, we also raised the rear shocks to speed up the handling. Things were looking good.

Come the first race of the day, I was allocated 7th on the grid - dead last. At least I had nothing to lose. My start was disappointing however as I failed to find second gear after what was a pretty decent launch. I then spent the next five laps chasing the backmarkers and after three laps found myself in fourth place. The race was then red flagged following a red flag incident.

The second race after lunch saw me sat in pole position - all was to play for and I had my eyes set on a podium finish. I managed another good launch but once again fluffed second gear, this time only worse. I found myself dead last, sixth again. The field managed to pull away and all I could manage was to harass the rider in fifth position through some of the tighter turns.

So, before Cadwell next month I will be practicing my starts, (especially selecting second) and looking for some more power with a larger carb to help me on the 'mini-Nurburgring's' long straights.

Until next time...

Mallory Park Test Day - NSU Norton

These photos were taken at the recent Mallory Park test day on March 22nd - first time out for the NSU Norton! The new machine performed faultlessly apart from a trapped breather pipe that meant a little oil began escaping through the filler cap - an easy fix. The new bike replaces the NSU Sportmax replica that I campaigned in the VMCC Economy Appliances Championship in 2011.

Mallory Park is a relatively simple track but one that takes time to perfect. From the first gear bus stop chicane to the very fast Gerrards, it's a track that demands a combination of slow and fast bike control. My favourite corner has to be the devils elbow, a slightly downhill left-hander just before you cross the start/finish straight. One of the other great things about Mallory is the number of 'lines' at each corner. The track is quite wide, allowing plenty of overtaking and even spectators are well catered for thanks to the raised viewing banks.

The NSU Norton is a 250cc NSU Max engine, cradled in an un-modified Manx Norton featherbed frame. The first thing you notice is the front mounted oil tank, located low, out in front making the most of the cool air-flow- it also helps maintain a low centre of gravity. The next major difference to the original Norton layout is the drive-side. Located on the right-hand side, instead of the left, the NSU engine/gearbox unit is also self-contained.

Heading out onto the track for the first time the NSU gearbox is as sweet as a nut. Fitted with Sportmax cams, the engine thrives on revs and only past 3000/4000rpm does it come on song. The following 4/5 laps gave me chance to enjoy the fantastic handling while running-in the new engine. The first race is in 3 weeks time back at Mallory Park, I can't wait!

NSU 1954 Sportmax 250 track test

Signed up for a day of VMCC sprinting at Wroughton airifield in Wiltshire, I was keen to give my father’s German 250 Sportmax Replica a chance to impress down the main runway. The first time I ever set eyes on it, I was in short trousers and the bike in basket case form, just another bag o’ bits in Dads garage, I thought. About a year later and with the help of undisputed NSU specialist Harold Nuttall, there sat the compact, well engineered pocket rocket complete with handmade aluminium tank and recognisable forks.

Early attempts at running the Sportmax Replica were mainly unsuccessful. Partly due to the rain that seemed to fall on every occasion we tried to start it. Running a 6V battery for ignition and a racing spark plug, the rebuilt engine was reluctant to say the least. Following a recent tune-up by it's creator Harrold, the dinky race bike fires up every time.

Arriving at disused airfields such as Wroughton, just south of the M4 near Swindon, I find there is always a sense of nostalgia of a time when such barren areas were clearly hives of activity. The modern day VMCC sprints are a great way for a relative notice, like myself to enjoy and use a period race bike in the safest possible way, on a huge dis-used airfield. With no need for a full competition licence, the VMCC will allow you to pay for a day licence in order to compete.

Following scrutineering, there was an almighty long wait whilst a new mode of timing gear was tested. In tune with the friendly atmosphere of the whole event, a vote was taken by the competitors to switch back to the original timing gear at the expense of a few hours action on track.


After a few hours wait in the now glorious sunshine and once initial tests were carried out, who else but Henry Body should be first up to the start line to give the tried and trusted set-up a once-over. Nevermind how many times I’ve watched this man sprint his pre-war Douglas dirt track bike, it never ceases to amaze me.

For more images visit my Photobucket gallery.

Here's me heading down the 1/4 mile at Wroughton Airfield..

And at the Eelmore Twisty Sprint..