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Former Member
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48 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Jan 2005 : 11:04:12 PM
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I saw a photo recently on e-bay of an Australian 1950's Vincent outfit. The photo sold for about $50. Does anyone have any info on the riders
K E Johnston and W Dodson?
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Former Member
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30 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2005 : 12:35:55 PM
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Keith Johnson was a very good Victorian sidecar rider during the 1950's.He competed on a Vincent machine for most of this time, but also competed on a Manx Norton outfit at some events.
He was a member of the Preston MCC, and competed at most of the tracks that were used in this time.These included Crib Point, Fishermans Bend, Altona, Victoria Park, Bathurst, Darley, Little River and others.
His usual racing number was 47, and he did use 17 occasionally.
Bill Dobson was his usual passenger, and was also a member of the Preston MCC.
Did the photo that was available have any details of where and when it was taken?
Motorcycling Australia is trying to compile a history of earlier racing in Australia and would be pleased to have access to any information, photos, etc. either to keep, or to copy and return. |
Edited by - n/a on 08 Feb 2005 4:44:06 PM |
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Former Member
deleted
48 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2005 : 4:44:14 PM
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Thanks for the answer Ross.
There was no other information given about the photo. He is riding under the number 17 though.
I didn't buy the photo but did download a low resolution copy which I will e-mail to you.
It's good to see MA is doing something about preserving our history and I hope all the clubs are behind this sort of thing as it is important. |
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Former Member
deleted
30 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2005 : 08:26:24 AM
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Garry,
As the machine is numbered 17, then there is a very good chance that the picture was taken at Bathurst during the running of the 1954 Sidecar TT. Keith and Sandy McCrae (Qld)staged a very exciting battle for the whole race with Johnson leading at the last lap only to blow his engine almost at the finish. This allowed McCrae to record the win. This meeting was on Easter Saturday 17th April 1954.
I have attached three photos from this meeting.
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Edited by - n/a on 09 Feb 2005 09:19:18 AM |
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Former Member
deleted
30 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2005 : 08:44:28 AM
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I was wrong.
The top 3 photos, and the epic battle between Johnson and McCrae took place at the 1953 Senior Sidecar TT at Bathurst.
Picture #2 shows Johnson (Series C Vincent) slowing after the engine gave trouble, and McCrae (Series B Vincent) catching him.
Johnson still finished in third position with Bob Mitchell sneaking into second. Did Johnson and Dobson push their machine over the line, or did it keep running long enough to get to the finish?
Johnson also finished second in the Junior Sidecar TT on a Norton, being beaten by Bob Mitchell with Alan Leech on a Triumph in third place. |
Edited by - n/a on 08 Feb 2005 4:42:52 PM |
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Former Member
deleted
30 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2005 : 4:42:39 PM
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The final photo is Keith Johnson on the 500cc Manx Norton Junior machine.
I am unsure if this photo was taken in 1953 or 1954, but it is at Bathurst.
Note the different passenger style on this machine. |
Edited by - n/a on 04 Feb 2005 4:44:45 PM |
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