Upstart American Road Racers Earned the Respect of British Racing Enthusiasts
In this week’s Throwback we dial back the clock to 1971 and visit a classic British road racing course. During Easter weekend in 1971, the iconic Mallory Park circuit in Britain hosted a memorable chapter in motorcycle racing history. Don Emde (No. 6) led his fellow American riders, David Aldana (No. 3) and Jim Rice (No. 2), as they competed in the prestigious Transatlantic Match Race Series, all riding BSA Rocket IIIs.
This inaugural Transatlantic Match Race Series was organized by BSA/Triumph to showcase their road racing motorcycles and to introduce talented American racers to the seasoned British national competitors. Although the British team claimed victory in that first event, the Americans quickly earned the admiration of British fans and riders alike, demonstrating remarkable skill and adaptability on unfamiliar tracks.
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