Pat took part in the Thruxton 500
miles endurance race on a works Ariel Arrow.
The new 250cc two stroke
bike was entered by Ariel after being prepared by their works team.
Pat
and Margo Pearson were planning to ride in the competition. Unfortunately Margo
was injured in practice and was replaced for the event by Olga Kevelas shown on
the right of the picture.
The machine proved less than reliable, when
the engine became worn and the piston came up and closed the spark plug gap.
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Race proven Velocette KTT in 1960
The
photograph shows Pat astride a a very fast KTT. The revolutionary motorcycle
designed was prewar, yet still very popular with racers in the 50's and 60's.
The machines had ridged girder forks dating back to the thirty's. The
solid springing resulted in a definite feel through the handle bars,
consequently the legendary racing bike was said to steer to a hair.
|
We would also like to thank
Mick Brown for his
contributions in this feature, for without him, we would not have been able to
bring this story to you. |
|
| A Feature on Pat Wise
|
The first British woman to compete in the Isle of Man
TT
The start of
Pats Racing carreer with Eric Oliver, in 1958.
Unbeleivable now, but
this was a standard 88 Dominator coupled with a roadgoing Watsonian Monaco
"chair". Pat and Eric finished within the first ten places to qualify for the
Isle of Man "Special TT Bronze Replica" |
My
racing career I suppose really started when I rode as passenger for 4 times
world champion Eric Oliver in the 1958 Isle of Man TT sidecar event, (as can be
seen in the picture above). Contrary to some reports I have heard, I was not
throwing toffee papers out of the chair as I was going around, I was far too
busy trying to get my knitting in order to be bothered with that kind of
thing.
My first solo race was on a production bike [road bike] Competing
at Brands Hatch in 1962 on a standard road version of the Velocette Venom, and
I also had a 350cc Manx Norton that was bought from Des Craig the son of Joe
Craig the boss of Norton's tuning shop.
My Husband Les, who regretfully
passed away in1995, supported me throughout my racing life in whatever I wanted
to do, however, after my flight through the lower stratosphere at Brands, he
convinced me that my racing future belonged on solo
machines.
This is a picture
of "Nobby" Clarke and myself on what was then a more traditional type of
"chair".
And here I am at
Brighton Sprint, on a Supercharged Norton.
Throughout my racing career I would have to admit that the
highlights, for myself anyway, were undoubtedly the TT Races and competing on
the Manx Norton. Although I don't get much of a chance these days to watch any
racing, but when I do, I like to see the Clasic and Vintage Racers, primarily
because they are riding bikes that were all the rage when I was actively
involved with the sport. Why is there so little coverage on TV these days, it
just beats me ? The excitement, the roar of the bikes, man and machine together
pitting their wits against each other and the elements, and the peculiarities
of each individual circuit.
By the way, I still ride even today, even
although I have retired, but still like to get about on my Honda 400/4. Had to
give up the Velo as it was getting a bit tiresome trying to kick that big
single over on the frosty mornings.
In all of the time that I raced, I
would have to say, that I did it purely for the fun and the enjoyment of it,
danger or no danger, and never did it ever occur to me at any time, that my
racing was being carried out for recognition of any kind. Sadly today, I feel
that even although there are still many "true" racers out there at the Grass
roots level, there are perhaps those who seek the glory and fame, more than
they do the simple pleasure of having the satisfaction of having competed and
tried their best.
It is my opinion that the youth of today should most
certainly be encouraged to take part in the sport, however that is
accomplished, on the circuits around the country. The public roads today are
far more dangerous than any circuit that I ever raced upon when I was involved.
Plus the fact that the bikes are so fast these days, it really is common sense
to use a circuit to exploit the abilities of the modern equipment, in a manner
which is safe and is under the guidance and control of people who know what
they are talking about.
To answer your question concerning money in
sport these days, the actual participating when I was involved was what was
always to the fore, rather than what I see today of seeking reward of one sort
or another as being the driving force.
With the amount of money that is
available now in the sport, I believe that the prize money should be allocated
throughout the grid in a more fair and equal manner to all the race entrants,
and not just to the guys who happen to have the slightly better equipment or
support that can most always ensure that they are in the top 3 places. Factory
machines bring excitement, top riders, big money, but let's see it spread more
evenly throughout the racing community.
The Grass Roots of the sport
require nurturing, for without that, then we will have no youngsters coming
through in the future and ultimately no sport at all for us to
enjoy. |
Pat, we
thank you ever so much for having taken the time to talk to us, and we wish you
all of the very best for the future.
|
|
Pat pictured with
her Velocette Venom. The 500cc road model machine was prepared for production
road racing. The machine was entered in events at Brands Hatch, Silverstone and
Crystal Pallace.
Pat rode as passenger with Eric Oliver as well as
racing solo. She also teamed up with Alan Clark, riding as passenger for him.
The pair came to grief at Druids/Brands Hatch where Pats' flight through the
air was caught on film by Daily Mirror camera man Freddie Reid.
Alan
was unhurt and Pat escaped with concussion, but husband Les was watching and
persuaded her to abandon three wheels and concentrate on racing her trusted
500cc Vellocette Venom. |
Pat going
flat out at Silverstone
It was
common practice for riders to travel to the event on the machine and attach
racing numbers as shown in the picture above. Preparing for the race at Cadwell
Park in Lincolshire
Pat
and her beloved Manx Norton.
Once Pat had gained experience in
production class racing, she moved into the competitive field of specially race
tuned world beating British racing motor cycles. This was at the time, just
before the Japanese gained supremacy. |
