On The Pegs VOL . 4 ISSUE 10 - OCTOBER 2020 141
Two weeks later , the Swedes competed on their home turf , battling for positions in Hyllinge . Eight nations appeared in front of 15,000 spectators . Bill fell in the first heat but managed to come back and filled third spot . In the final , nobody could touch him and he took the overall victory - his first of the year . “ I was so pissed off after my crash ,” hot-tempered Bill said . “ Consequently , I wanted revenge in the second leg .”
Italian Imola is a classic motorcycle venue , both for motocross , road racing and formula one . Bill Nilsson came third overall and now shared the lead in the world championship standings with 18 points , tied with Sten Lundin . In Bielstein , Germany , Bill Nilsson injured his foot and had to abandon the race , but a week later he made up for the loss by winning the British GP at Hawkstone Park . He was back in the world championship running again - with 26 points .
“ It was a Hitchcock thriller in England ,” Bill said with a grin . 50,000 fans were present to watch the Dutch Grand Prix at the sandy track in Bergharen . Husqvarna shared a double victory , with Nilsson first and Tibblin second . A great day for Sweden !
The Swedish dominance in the 500cc class was overwhelming that year . Out of the six best riders , five of them were from the Scandinavian countries . In Namur , Belgium , this proved to be a representative fact – the four top riders came from Sweden . It was like a playground next door .
Bill Nilsson had his chance to secure his second title and Husqvarna ’ s first world championship ever , should things go his way - and it did . Monsieur Nilsson took his fourth win and beat his opponent Lundin by 30 seconds . This result forced the factory to print a fan-card with a picture of Bill winning in Namur . It is today very valuable and sought-after , especially if you happen to find a signed copy . A famous quote came from Bill when he was to sign his autograph , “ I never sign my name below that of Sten Lundin ’ s ,” Bill said in earnest . And that was it .
The ninth and last round was organized in Ettelbruck , Luxemburg . In a water-filled ditch , both Nilsson and Tibblin had problems when a clogged ventilation hose for the petrol tank caused their retirement . Both riders had to abandon the race while Sten Lundin took the last laurel of the 1960 world championship , but he was still two points down on the leader .
Bill Nilsson also won his national championship in great style , taking three wins out of a possible four . Advertising was easy for Husqvarna at the end of this thrilling season ; Nilsson first , Tibblin fourth . Life was smiling at the world champions and there were gorgeous headlines in these Good Old Times ! n