The way we were: December 1962

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Sidecar ace Florian Camathias

The Swiss rider set 250 and 350cc 100km records at 192.09kph (119.28mph) and posted a new one hour 250cc record.

With his last major trials win over a year previously, BSA works scrambler Jeff Smith took a jaunty light hearted approach to the Northern Expert trails to drop 42 marks and win the event, much to the surprise of the pundits and fans. Peter Fletcher (250cc Royal Enfield) was second, with Jim Sandiford (250cc BSA) third. Alan Morewood (500cc Ariel) led the charioteers home.

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Former double motorcycle world champion Gary Hocking was killed in a car racing accident on December 21, 1962, practising in his V8 Lotus Climax for the Natal GP. It was believed Gary missed a gear, lost control at Devil’s Leap on the Westmead Circuit near Durban, climbed a bank, breaking the car in two and suffering severe head injuries.
 


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