For  many people involved in the sport, the 1980’s are passionately perceived as being “The Golden Age of Motocross”. The Grands Prix were experiencing arguably the greatest depth of talent where each class had many riders capable of winning and the pinnacle 500cc class was literally bubbling over with World Champions. Names such as Dave Thorpe, Graham Noyce,  Andre Malherbe, Eric Geboers,  George Jobe, Harry Everts, Hakan Carlqvist all legends in their own right and each very capable of winning at any given time.

The machinery took huge steps in advancement for the grassroots buying public with the advent of water cooling to the then 2 stroke engines , multi-linkage single shock rear suspension and hydraulic disc brakes. The top works riders were all racing highly exotic one-off machines,  hand crafted out of the latest high tech materials. Many have commented that nothing will compare to the sound of Thorpey’s works Honda being ridden at full tilt up the legendary Hawkstone Hill – spine tingling stuff!!

For me,  the 80’s hold some very strong memories as I was competing myself in the West Midlands AMCA from 1984. Again, names from this era read as a who’s who of AMCA racing: John Williams, Gary Evans, Ade & David Bradley, Barry Shakles, Tim Price, Barry Johnson, Pete Freeman, Keith Ree...the list  goes on and on.

 Whilst I was racing I always had a camera in the van and now have way too many photographs. The coverage and accessibility of the internet now enable me to share some of those memories with whoever wishes to have a look.  CLICK THE PHOTO'S TO ENTER.