I contacted Barry Symmons (at the time the manager of the rotary Norton race team) by post and then by 'phone, to see if he could arrange for me to see the bikes close up and chat to the riders for an article I was writing at that years TT.

I promised to keep out of the way and Barry quickly replied to say that I was welcome to sit in with the practice week build up.

The riders would be Trevor Nation and Robert Dunlop so the TT couldn't come quick enough.



Once I had arrived on the Island, I reported to Barry for "instructions" and to receive relevant press material.

I was then introduced to the mechanics and Brian Crighton who showed me over a stripped engine. For the whole of practice week I was allowed to visit the team garage and also to go to Jurby to see the testing.

Photographs below show Robert and his mechanics checking over the Norton before going up to Jurby for testing.




ROBERT SETS UP THE FRONT BRAKE


ROBERT IS SATISFIED


ON THE PROM, LOADING UP


UNLOADING AT JURBY