Ian McConnachie British Grand Prix
Ian McConnachie British Grand Prix - Silverstone 1986
I am a bit hazy on the history and facts here so I am happy to be corrected if any of it isn't right.
For many, many years (maybe ever?) no British motorcycle racer had won a Grand Prix on "home soil" (maybe home tarmac??). Barry Sheene came very close in 1979 when he was pipped to the line by Kenny Roberts.
When we attended the 1896 Grand Prix there was some anticipation that the rider in one of the smaller classes Ian McConnachie was a contender on the Kriedler in the 80cc class.
It was great to witness his win as it was one of the reasons we actually attended the race, as I'd been following his career quite closely. We managed to get quite close to the podium (which looks like its on the back of a flat bed truck!). I'm not saying that this is the only photo of Ian McConnachie on the winners podium after the race in the public domain but if there is another one - I ain't seen it.
For me the 1980s were great for Grand Prix bike racing because they were all two strokes - none of those four stroke thingies. These were the days of Lawson, Gardner, Schwantz, Spencer and Mamola on the 500s.
I'm not sure if he is the last Brit to win a British Motorcycle GP because I don't take an interest in Moto GP any longer. I like watching bike racing - I've just been to the North West 200 for example - but not on TV and the only "big" race I've seen in many years was when we attended the World Superbikes at Donington last year.
It isn't the best photo I must admit, but its a piece of British history that some people may be interested in seeing.
Ian McConnachie British Grand Prix
Ian McConnachie British Grand Prix - Silverstone 1986
I am a bit hazy on the history and facts here so I am happy to be corrected if any of it isn't right.
For many, many years (maybe ever?) no British motorcycle racer had won a Grand Prix on "home soil" (maybe home tarmac??). Barry Sheene came very close in 1979 when he was pipped to the line by Kenny Roberts.
When we attended the 1896 Grand Prix there was some anticipation that the rider in one of the smaller classes Ian McConnachie was a contender on the Kriedler in the 80cc class.
It was great to witness his win as it was one of the reasons we actually attended the race, as I'd been following his career quite closely. We managed to get quite close to the podium (which looks like its on the back of a flat bed truck!). I'm not saying that this is the only photo of Ian McConnachie on the winners podium after the race in the public domain but if there is another one - I ain't seen it.
For me the 1980s were great for Grand Prix bike racing because they were all two strokes - none of those four stroke thingies. These were the days of Lawson, Gardner, Schwantz, Spencer and Mamola on the 500s.
I'm not sure if he is the last Brit to win a British Motorcycle GP because I don't take an interest in Moto GP any longer. I like watching bike racing - I've just been to the North West 200 for example - but not on TV and the only "big" race I've seen in many years was when we attended the World Superbikes at Donington last year.
It isn't the best photo I must admit, but its a piece of British history that some people may be interested in seeing.