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TT MOTOR CYCLE LEGEND ' BILL SMITH ' LAUNCHES NEW BOOK
As a boy , Bill Smith dreamed of being a professional footballer but a serious injury put paid to that , so he decided to take up what he called " The Safer Option " of motorcycle racing .
And it ’ s seen him competing around the world alongside legends like Agostoni , Surtees and his hero , Geoff Duke . Bill is also a hugely successful businessman who helped to bring the world ' s attention to Japanese bikes , and in particular to Honda .
Bill has won multiple trophies including 51 replicas at the Isle of Man TT and of all the circuits he ' s raced on - that still remains the most special to him .
In his new book , which his lifelong friend Tommy Robb says is long overdue , he gives a unique insight into the world of motorcycle racing , providing a host of anecdotes from behind the scenes and shares his passion for a sport which almost killed him .
Wirral Life caught up with Bill in an exclusive interview .
When did you start racing and why ? After a bad knee injury at Everton I decided to choose a safer sport motorcycle racing .
Where was your first race ? It was the very first meeting at Oulton Park that was ever held in 1953 , I raced on a BSA gold star . I actually raced against my Dad who was in a car !
What year did you start Bill Smith Motors ? 1959 . I was the first dealer to import Honda ' s and one of the first to visit the Honda factory and meet Mr Honda who became a firm friend .
Which did you choose ' business or racing '? I juggled both . I would leave the business on a Friday with my mechanic and drive across Europe through the night to make practice , qualify for that and then compete in the race . Load the bikes back in the van drive through the night and be back to sell motorbikes ! No professional would do that now but they were the best days and so much fun .
What was your greatest racing achievement ? Winning my first TT podium in 1967 ( the year my eldest was born ). I beat my life long friend Tommy Robb by a wheel in an exciting race . The other was becoming 1978 Formula 3 World Champion at the TT .
Why is the TT so special to you ? It brings racing people together from all over the world , the history of this special event is incredible . People say it is dangerous , but my opinion is that you learn the TT and if you treat it with respect it ’ s the safest place to ride . My best friend the late Geoff Duke won so many TT wins and the memories I hold of me winning over 50 TT replicas are told in my book .
Why is it called Bill To Ballaugh ? I was racing in the Formula 2 TT in 1982 and was in the top 10 . Approaching Ballaugh Bridge , I was in a tight race with George Fogarty , Carl Fogarty ' s dad . I lost control and was hurled in the air . I hit the bridge railings at great speed , the picture is on my book front cover . I can ' t remember much more than arriving at Nobles Hospital after being taken there by air ambulance . I will be forever grateful to the young nurse in the crowd who came forward and saved my life . I tracked her down months later , it was an emotional meet . My book tells some funny stories of how Tommy Robb fooled me with a bill for the railings from the Isle of Man government .
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