Motorcycle Racing with the Continental Circus 1920 to 1970, 9781787112742
Hardcover
A fascinating history of Continental motorcycle racing, from the pre-war period through to the 1970s, this book details the British riders and privateers from around the world, who earned their living competing in races and events on the circuits of Europe – for the racers an exciting and nomadic ex…

Motorcycle Racing with the Continental Circus 1920 to 1970

  • Hardcover

    96 pages

  • Release Date

    14 June 2018

Summary

A fascinating history of European motorcycle racing, going back to a period far removed from the world of Moto GP today: a time when many young men from all walks of life decided to give up their livelihoods in favour of earning their living by racing motorcycles on the dangerous public road circuits of the European Continent. It was a nomadic existence that involved travelling from circuit to circuit, circus fashion, hence the title ‘Continental Circus.’The book begins with the pre-war perio…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781787112742
ISBN-10:1787112748
Author:Chris Pereira
Publisher:David & Charles
Imprint:Veloce
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:96
Release Date:14 June 2018
Weight:600g
Dimensions:250mm x 207mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

Pereira’s historical account is sourced both from first-hand knowledge having been an employee of racing dealer Arthur Taylor who was the father-in-law and sponsor to former World Champion Cecil Sanford who is, of course, featured in the 90 pages. He also spectated at many of the events before taking to the track himself and assembling a vast library of racing history records and photographs, many of which appear in this new book. Like his previous works, the book provides a useful insight without becoming an anorak’s bible, making it a good read without being heavy in information, but still accurate and informative. Well worth considering buying. - Ian Kerr. This hardback book is a dedication to those riders from all around the world who earned their living by travelling the highways and byways to compete in road races on the circuits of continental Europe. Accompanying the stories is a wealth of original period photographs from the author’s own library. For all fans of road racing history, this is defiantly a book for you. - Nacelle. This book tells the history of the races, the whirlwind existence of the riders, many of whom achieved success but also paid the ultimate prices. There are some very interesting covers of periods race programmes. It’s Chris’ easy writing style that makes this book such a pleasure to read. - Old Bike Mart. The photographs in this book, many from the author’s own extensive collection, are superb and most have not been published before. - Old Bike Australasia.

About The Author

Chris Pereira

Born in Sri Lanka, Chris became interested in Motorcycle Racing in the late 1940s after reading the Motor Cycle and Motor Cycling magazines and acquiring his father’s scrapbooks of pre-war TT riders. He emigrated to England in 1955 and worked for racing dealer Arthur Taylor who was the sponsor and father-in-law of former World Champion Cecil Sandford. He attended many race meetings during the 1950s and 1960s, and then started Club Racing briefly in 1965, followed by more extensive Vintage and Classic racing from the 1970s to 2015. Chris rode in the Classic Manx GP in 1984 and the Classic TT in 1990. He has an extensive library covering all aspects of motorcycle racing, both pre-war and post-war, and a photo library of over 1000 racing photographs. He was also historian to the TT Riders Association.

Returns

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.