Synopses & Reviews
Derek Minter started his racing career in 1953 on a BSA Gold Star. His early promise as an inexperienced youngster was very quickly fulfilled. After transferring to a couple of Nortons he soon became ‘King of Brands’, succeeding the famous John Surtees. After becoming double British Champion in 1958, two years later he became the first man to lap the Isle of Man TT circuit at over 100mph on a single cylinder bike. During 1962 he not only became triple British Champion, but also won the 250cc TT on a privately entered Honda-beating the might of the Honda works team in the process. Then in 1963 he rode for the Geoff Duke Scuderia Gilera squad and only a crash early in the season prevented him seriously challenging World Champion Mike Hailwood for the 500cc title. By 1965 he held the lap record for virtually every British short circuit. And by the time he retired at the end of 1967 had ridden for many manufactures, including MZ, Moto Morini, Bianchi, REG, EMC, Honda and Norton. Derek Minter: King of Brands is a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest ever motorcycle racing stars.
Synopsis
Derek Minter: King of Brands is the story of a true road racing legend. Someone who was, on equal machinery, capable of beating the world’s best riders, his many achievements included winning a host of British Championship titles, being the first man to lap the Isle of Man TT circuit on a single cylinder machine at over 100mph. And beating the entire Honda works team in the 1962 250cc TT on a privately entered bike to score a sensational victory.
Synopsis
Derek Minter began his racing career on a converted BSA Gold Star, and after acquiring a braze of Manx Nortons he soon became ‘King of Brands’, succeeding the famous John Surtees. After becoming double British Champion in 1958, two years later he became the first to lap the Isle of Man TT Course at over 100mph on a single cylinder machine. Then, in 1962, he won the 250cc on a private Honda, beating the entire Honda team in the process. In 1963 he rode for Geoff Duke Gilera squad and only a crash prevented him challenging Mike Hailwood for the 500cc world title. By the time he retired in 1967 he had won countless races against the top stars of his era and doing so had become a living legend.
About the Author
A leading authority on all forms of motorcycle sport, Mick Walker has been a successful racer, tuner and team manager, and still rides regularly. He was a former editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast, and published over 100 books including in this series, Derek Minter: The King of Brands, Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion, Bob McIntyre: The Flying Scot and Mike Hailwood: The Fans' Favourite.