The Place

Some photographs from the early part of Malcolm "Mac" Hobson's racing days. These photos are the property of Mike Crawford, who has kindly allowed me to post them here; and as such I would respectfully ask that these pictures are not uploaded elsewhere (e.g. Facebook). Thanks.

I love the second one. "Who's driving this thing?!"

steve-e wrote:I love the second one. "Who's driving this thing?!"

I'm sure Mike will be along to correct me, but I'm pretty sure he said that the steering damper had broken on that photo; and Mac was physically knackered trying to keep the outfit on the road, and the passenger was helping out! I think I'm correct in saying they still won though; I believe that picture was taken at Silloth (West Cumbria).

I'm liking the new 'quote' thing on here, got a notification that you'd replied
It's like trying to steer SlowPhil away from the beer.. damned hard work

That's correct, never one to give up , finished and won the race with a broken steering damper !!! Sidecar wheel fell off one meeting and finished then as well much to my fathers annoyance as there wasn't a lot of chassis left but that was Mac.

I love these. Must make sure Peter Krukowski sees them.

Any names for the group photograph?

steve-e wrote:I'm liking the new 'quote' thing on here, got a notification that you'd replied
It's like trying to steer SlowPhil away from the beer.. damned hard work

I Resemble that remark hic

The sidecar wheel broke off on the run down to Brandish. Mac signaled for Geoff to get on the back of the bike and keep the chair as light as possible. Finished in a load of sparks. There was a local meeting where the steering head was breaking away. Mac tied the front of the bike together with a chain and bolts. That is possibly the photo at Silloth. Mac was a great rider but machine prep was something else. It wasnt until he teamed up with Percy Austrin that the BSA motors and the bikes improved. Also in the Silloth photo Macs winning days were still a fair way off. When he got it right he got it right though .

His vans... oh... his vans... something else! His consumption of pop rivets must have been prodigious!

I think I can name some of the group photo 4 L - R Brian Park /Jimmy Martin/...../....../Les Siddle/ Mac Hobson/..../.... and of course centre the great Geoff Duke sadly just passed away

Doesnt look like Geoff Duke Dave. I dont recognise Les either. Do you know where the photo was taken coz your older than me . The bloke on the right looks like OLD Joe Burns ?

Definitely not Geoff Duke.

I have to be honest the more I looked at the photo I knew I was wrong about Geoff.I am at the club on Thurs. night so if old Bob Burdis is there maybe he will know.Geoff you have a better memory than me am I correct about Brian I know I am right abou Jimmy Martin and think I am right about Les.Maybe someone at the next meeting of the classic club at Ashington may know.As to the venue it could be anywhere in the NE or Scotland. In picture 5 is that a very youthful Geoff Atkinson with Mac Belly.

Hi Dave, say hello to Bob Burdis for me please,he's such a lovely and interesting man to work with.