Derek Powell

Record type: Motorsport Biographies

Biography: Age, 33, Derek Powell of Bournemouth first rode in the T.T. in 1955, after a long experience of the course gained through Clubman's and Manx Grand Prix rides.

His Clubman's record covers several years, during which he competed on various B.S.A. machines—including a "Star Twin" in one Senior event—and his first finish on the Leader Board occurred In 1952, when he was fifth in the Junior Clubman's at 77.26 m.p.h. The following year he brought the B.S.A. home to win the Junior Clubman's at 80.17 m.p.h., setting up a record lap at 80.96 m.p.h.; in the Senior race he was fourth on a Triumph.

Derek rode Notions in the 1953 Manx Grand Prix, finishing most creditably in both events—third In the Junior and sixth in the Senior. In 1954 he did better still, being fifth in the Junior Manx and second in the Senior.

He was second in the 1955 Thruxton Nine-Hours race (500 c.c.. class), and won two Silver Replicas in the T.T. races, being placed 18th in the Junior event. and ninth in the Senior. In 1956 he was seventh in the Junior T.T. on an A.J.S. (at 83.73 m.p.h.) but retired in the Senior on the last lap. He was unlucky again in 1957, retiring in both Junior and Senior races, and his luck was still out in the 1958 Junior, for he retired on the sixth lap. In the Senior, however, he came home 20th at 90.61 m.p.h. and won a Silver replica.

Derek had a good week in the Island in 1959. He was seventh in the 500 c.c. Formula I race and 18th in the Junior T.T. at 88.42 m.p.h., with a Silver Replica; and he scored his "best-ever" T.T. placing in the Soaking Senior, in which he finished fourth with, of course, another "Silver." Last year he was 18th in both Junior aitd Senior T.T. races, collecting two more Silver Replicas.

He is entered for both races by Jenkin and Purser Ltd. of Southampton.

Hobbies: Rifle shooting at vermin and small game, swimming—and driving fast sports cars. (TT Special, 16 June 1961, p. 8.)

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