Retrospective: Norton in Grands Prix – part 2

This episode follows the first part, found right here.

After a lackluster 1949 season, Norton continues to evolve his famous Manx. The firm even offers new models to the young prodigy Geoff Duke. It was on these machines that the legend began his career that same year. Instantly, the dynamic changes.

Genius won the opening round on the Isle of Man but did not finish the next two races; hard blow for the championship. Another rookie, Italian this time, takes the lead. Umberto Masetti, no less brilliant, only has to manage the second part of the season to impose his Gilera to the general.

In 350cc, same fight. bob fosterOn Velocette, heads Duke to the post. Norton, as in 1949, found himself with the sidecar title only. A huge disappointment, experienced as a humiliation. However, due to the efforts of Johnny Lockett et Artie Bell, the house won the first manufacturer's title in its history.

1951 is the year of consecration. Geoff Duke, alone at Norton, achieved a tour de force by propelling his Manx to the lead in the championship for the first time. The army Gilera, consisting ofAlfredo Milani, Nello pagani et Umberto Masetti can do nothing to stop the progress of the English, in 500cc as in 350cc.

Thanks to Duke's talent, Norton once again won the manufacturer's trophy. Another coronation, won in 350cc, will be added to the list the following year, always thanks to the same driver. Spoiler: these three titles, coupled with the four pocketed in the sidecar, are the only ones claimed by the house.

However, the story does not end here, far from it. The frames, named “ feather bed » (or “feather bed”) continue to evolve, like the legendary single-cylinder. Easy to obtain and maintain, private individuals are flocking to the Manx.

Ultimately, Norton's real fault was not being able to find a good enough driver to thwart the Italians' plans. Certainly, --Ken Kavanagh et Ray Ham don't deserve it, but Duke is above it. Moving to the enemy Gilera, he won titles in spades, becoming the greatest character in this sport.

The rise of MV Agusta could not be contained. Whether it is Norton, or any other manufacturer for that matter, no one can find the resources to overcome the Italian training. If the stars share the victories, the rest of the field can thank the British.

Getting a Manx is easy as pie, and they flourish in the middle and back of the grid. In 1955 alone, there were no less than 93 Norton who have set foot, at one time or another, on the world circuits. A staggering number, which greatly benefits the brand.

Norton ceased production of the Manx eight years later, but that was no reason to stop racing it. It is for this reason that this machine is rightly considered the “backbone” of the world championship. Of course, she rarely wins – because it still happens, on rare occasions – but is extremely important for the sustainability of the world.

One man in particular wasn't ready to let go of his good old Norton. See you tomorrow, same time, for the continuation and end of this saga.

 

Cover photo: Harry Pot / ANEFO