The 1960s to 1980

Bill began his career racing solos at the age of 19, on a 650 Norton.

He was later sponsored by Joe Francis Motors on a Dunstall “Low Boy”.

In the early 70’s he changed to sidecars, with John Parkins as his passenger, Joe Francis continued as sponsor. The team had great success in the Clubman’s races for a couple years, before moving up to National and International level. Initially they raced Norton sidecars, and then after a brief, disastrous season in 1975 on a sidecar powered by a Crescent engine, they switched to Yamaha.

Also during the early 70’s, Bill and John were part of the ‘Invicta Racing Team’, which consisted of a group of racers, solo and sidecar from their local area.

With the setup perfected, lap records were set and are still held to this day at numerous locations, including Brands Hatch on the Hutchinson 100 circuit (short circuit, anti clockwise) and Silverstone, before the circuit changed. They also set records for the era at Brands Hatch, Castle Combe and Mallory Park.

1977 saw Bill and John win the British Championship and finish 10th in the World Championship. GP finishes included 4th at the British GP at Silverstone and 5th at the Belgian and Czech GPs.

On the Isle Of Man, Bill rode one of the first 6 sidecars to do over 100mph during a TT race. Over the years he picked up numerous TT silver and bronze replicas.

Bill eventually retired from racing in 1980.

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