Jim Kentish

Record type: Motorsport Biographies

Biography: Mounts: Junior – A.J.S.
Senior – A.J.S.

Age 33, Jim Kentish, an agricultural engineer, of Bordon, Hants., rode in his first T.T. race in 1950, although he was no newcomer to the T.T. course. In 1947 he won a replica in the Junior “Manx.” The next year he turned to the T.T. proper and entered in both Junior and Senior races. On the second morning of practice, however, he came off at Handley’s Corner and set fire to his machine – and the road! In the crash he injured his ankle and was unable to ride in either race. Later that year, however, with the same model repaired and repainted, he won the Governor’s Trophy in the Ulster Grand Prix.

In 1949 he was second in the 350 Handicap of the North West “200”, but was again unable to ride in the Isle of Man, this time due to an attack of appendicitis.

In 1950 he said 'My main ambition this year is to start in the race – I will reserve the ambition to finish for next year!' He managed to fulfil both these ambitions in the Junior T.T., when, riding an A.J.S., he came in 29th at a speed of 77.74 m.p.h. and collected a second-class replica.

In the Senior the following Friday, however, he ran out of petrol on the Mountain in the fourth lap and retired.

He is entered by Heath Bros., Ltd., of Farnham, and is riding a 1951 7R A.J.S. in both races.
(TT Special, 6 June 1951, p.12.)

Mounts: Junior – A.J.S.
Senior – Norton.

Age 33, Jim Kentish, an agricultural engineer, of Bordon, Hants, is riding in his first T.T. race, although he is no newcomer to the T.T. course. In 1947 he won a replica in the Junior “Manx.”

The next year he turned to the T.T. proper and entered in both Junior and Senior races. On the second morning of practice, however, he came off at Handley’s Corner and set fire to his machine – and the road! In the crash he injured his ankle and was unable to ride in either race. Later that year, however, with the same model repaired and repainted, he won the Governor’s Trophy in the Ulster Grand Prix.

Last year he was second in the 350 Handicap of the North West “200,” but was again unable to ride in the Isle of Man, this time due to an attack of appendicitis.

His Norton is a new machine, but the A.J.S. is the same “incendiary” model which is still going strong and as good as ever. Kentish writes: ‘My main ambition this year is to start in the race – I will reserve the ambition to finish for next year!” Hobbies: Gardening and veteran cars.

He is entered by Heath Bros. Ltd., of Farnham, for both events.
(TT Special, 5 June 1950, p.21.)

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