Classic Racer Magazine – November/December 1997 – Issue No. 68

Original Vintage Motorcycle Racing Magazine | Smart's Ducati | Imola 200 | Manx Grand Prix | Mark Brelsford | Monza | Classic Motorcycle Racing

An original November/December 1997 edition of Classic Racer magazine, Issue No. 68, featuring an outstanding front-cover photograph of Paul Smart's celebrated Ducati racing motorcycle, alongside articles covering historic international motorcycle racing, legendary riders, classic racing circuits and famous competition machines.

This late-1990s publication celebrates some of the most memorable personalities, motorcycles and events in the history of motorcycle sport.

The main cover feature revisits Paul Smart's Ducati and his famous 1972 Imola 200 victory, while additional articles explore the Manx Grand Prix, American dirt-track racer Mark Brelsford and the history of racing at Monza.

The magazine also advertises features on Patrick Godet, Mick Hemmings, Brian Richards and the Australian motorcycle speedway scene.

An interesting period publication for collectors of vintage Ducati racing motorcycles, Isle of Man racing memorabilia, classic road racing and historic motorcycle sport.

Magazine Details

• Publication: Classic Racer

• Issue Number: 68

• Cover Date: November/December 1997

• Publication Period: November–December 1997

• Original UK Cover Price: £2.95

• Original USA Cover Price: $5.50

• Language: English

• Format: Printed motorcycle racing magazine

• Subject: Historic motorcycle racing, classic racing motorcycles and motorsport history

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1585

Publication Date: The printed date is November/December 1997. An exact publication day is not visible, so the full cover-date period is supplied rather than an unverified day.

Front Cover – Paul Smart's Ducati

The main cover photograph features a classic Ducati racing motorcycle being ridden at speed, with the rider adopting a traditional low racing position.

The dramatic photograph occupies most of the cover and shows the rider leaning into a corner on a race circuit.

The headline reads:

"Smart's Ducati – Riding his Imola 200 winner – 25 years on"

This celebrates one of Ducati's most important historic racing achievements.

Ducati Racing Motorcycle – Visible Details

The motorcycle features a distinctive silver racing fairing prominently displaying the DUCATI name.

Notable visible details include:

• Classic Ducati competition motorcycle.

• Silver and metallic-grey racing bodywork.

• Large black racing number 6 displayed on a white circular side panel.

• Additional number 6 on the front fairing.

• Transparent racing windscreen.

• Period-style aerodynamic front fairing.

• Visible clip-on handlebars and mechanical controls.

• Large front wheel and traditional racing tyre.

• Exposed front suspension.

• Compact racing fuel tank.

• Ducati lettering along the side of the motorcycle.

• Traditional lightweight racing construction.

The machine is pictured from a dynamic front three-quarter angle, emphasising its classic racing profile and distinctive 1970s competition styling.

Rider and Racing Equipment

The rider wears traditional racing equipment, including:

• White racing helmet with dark number markings.

• Black leather racing suit.

• Large white number 1 visible on the back of the leathers.

• Black protective gloves.

• Racing boots.

• Classic tucked riding posture.

The photograph captures the character of historic road racing, with the rider leaning low over the Ducati while negotiating a corner.

The combination of period-style equipment and the distinctive Ducati racing machine makes this an especially appealing cover for collectors of historic Italian racing motorcycles.

Main Feature – Smart's Ducati and the 1972 Imola 200

The cover's principal article revisits Paul Smart's famous victory at the 1972 Imola 200.

Paul Smart became closely associated with Ducati's international racing success following his victory at the Imola 200-mile race in April 1972.

That achievement helped establish Ducati's reputation for high-performance V-twin racing motorcycles and became an important milestone in the manufacturer's competition history.

The article is advertised as revisiting Smart's winning Ducati 25 years after the original race.

This anniversary subject is particularly interesting because it links the motorcycle's original racing success with the historic motorcycle racing scene of the late 1990s.

The cover feature will be especially relevant to readers interested in:

• Paul Smart's racing career.

• Ducati's early international racing achievements.

• The 1972 Imola 200.

• Historic Italian motorcycle racing.

• Classic Ducati V-twin motorcycles.

• Period racing technology.

• Original 1970s racing machines.

• Ducati competition heritage.

For Ducati enthusiasts, this is the standout subject of the issue.

Manx Grand Prix – From the Trackside and the Saddle

The upper-right corner of the cover advertises:

"Manx Grand Prix – From the trackside – and the saddle"

A separate colour racing photograph accompanies this feature.

Manx Grand Prix Cover Photograph

The inset photograph shows a motorcycle racer leaning through a bend while competing on a road circuit.

Visible details include:

• Blue racing motorcycle.

• Number 24 prominently displayed on the front.

• Rider wearing blue and white racing leathers.

• White full-face racing helmet.

• Traditional road racing posture.

• Public spectators standing behind roadside barriers.

• Tarmac road-racing setting.

The scene conveys the atmosphere of motorcycle racing on public roads.

Manx Grand Prix History

The Manx Grand Prix is one of the most celebrated events in traditional motorcycle road racing.

Held on the Isle of Man Mountain Course, it has long attracted riders competing on a variety of classic and modern racing motorcycles.

The feature's emphasis on both trackside and rider perspectives makes it particularly appealing to readers interested in the experience of motorcycle racing on the Isle of Man.

Relevant collecting interests include:

• Isle of Man motorcycle racing.

• Manx Grand Prix history.

• Historic road racing events.

• Classic racing motorcycles.

• Motorcycle racing photography.

• British motorcycle racing heritage.

Mark Brelsford – American Dirt Track Legend

The lower portion of the cover features the headline:

"Dirt Track Legend – Mark Brelsford – The Curse of the #1 Plate"

This advertises an article about American motorcycle racer Mark Brelsford.

Brelsford is an important name in American motorcycle dirt-track racing history.

He achieved particular recognition during the early 1970s and was associated with Harley-Davidson racing machinery.

His career included success in American flat-track competition, an important branch of motorcycle racing characterised by high-speed oval circuits and specialist competition motorcycles.

The article's reference to the number 1 plate relates to the prestige and pressure associated with championship success.

This feature is particularly interesting to collectors of:

• Mark Brelsford racing memorabilia.

• American motorcycle racing.

• Historic dirt-track competition.

• Harley-Davidson racing history.

• Flat-track racing motorcycles.

• 1970s American motorsport.

The inclusion of this subject broadens the magazine's coverage beyond European road racing.

Monza – 75 Years of Triumph and Tragedy

Another prominent cover headline reads:

"MONZA – 75 years of triumph & tragedy"

This advertises a historical feature examining the celebrated Italian racing circuit.

Monza is one of Europe's most famous motorsport venues and has a long association with international motorcycle and motor racing.

The circuit's history includes celebrated victories, legendary competitors and tragic accidents.

The magazine's 75-year retrospective is a particularly interesting subject for enthusiasts of historic racing venues and Italian motorsport heritage.

The article is relevant to collectors interested in:

• Monza circuit history.

• Italian motorcycle racing.

• Historic racing circuits.

• Grand Prix motorcycle competition.

• Motorsport history.

• Classic European road racing.

Patrick Godet, Mick Hemmings and Brian Richards

Across the top of the magazine is the headline:

"Classic Folk: Patrick Godet, Mick Hemmings, Brian Richards"

This indicates coverage of three personalities associated with the classic motorcycle world.

Patrick Godet

Patrick Godet is closely associated with the restoration, engineering and development of classic Vincent motorcycles.

His name is particularly important among collectors of high-performance Vincent machines and historic British motorcycles.

Mick Hemmings

Mick Hemmings is well known for his association with classic British motorcycles, especially Norton machinery and historic racing engineering.

His work has been of particular interest to classic motorcycle restorers and racing enthusiasts.

Brian Richards

Brian Richards is also named in the magazine's Classic Folk feature.

The cover does not provide further details about the nature of his contribution, but his inclusion identifies him as one of the issue's featured classic motorcycle personalities.

This section may be particularly appealing to collectors interested in the people behind historic motorcycle engineering, preservation and competition.

Down Under Singles – Speedway Motors and Racing Technology

Along the bottom of the cover is another feature headline:

"Down Under Singles: Speedway motors on steroids – and dope"

This advertises coverage related to Australian motorcycle speedway and single-cylinder competition machinery.

Motorcycle speedway racing has a particularly strong history in Australia.

Traditional speedway motorcycles are specialist racing machines designed for rapid acceleration, lightweight construction and distinctive sliding techniques on oval tracks.

The headline suggests a look at powerful speedway engines and their technical development.

This subject may interest readers who collect material relating to:

• Australian motorcycle speedway.

• Classic speedway racing.

• Single-cylinder racing engines.

• Historic competition engineering.

• Vintage oval-track motorcycles.

• Motorcycle performance development.

The precise technical scope of the article is not verifiable from the front cover alone.

Why This Magazine Is Collectible

This issue brings together several significant areas of classic motorcycle racing history.

Its most prominent attraction is the Paul Smart Ducati feature, revisiting the 1972 Imola 200 victory on its 25th anniversary.

The Manx Grand Prix article adds an Isle of Man road-racing connection, while the Mark Brelsford feature covers American dirt-track competition.

The Monza anniversary article provides an additional historical perspective on one of Europe's best-known racing venues.

The Classic Folk feature, together with the Australian speedway coverage, broadens the issue's appeal to enthusiasts of classic motorcycle engineering and international racing heritage.

Particularly suitable for collectors of:

• Classic Racer magazine.

• Paul Smart racing memorabilia.

• Ducati racing motorcycles.

• Ducati Imola 200 history.

• 1970s motorcycle competition.

• Manx Grand Prix publications.

• Isle of Man motorcycle racing.

• Mark Brelsford.

• Harley-Davidson dirt-track racing.

• Monza racing history.

• Vincent motorcycles.

• Norton motorcycles.

• Patrick Godet and Mick Hemmings.

• Vintage motorcycle engineering.

• Historic motorsport magazines.

Condition – Detailed Assessment

Pre-owned vintage magazine with visible age-related wear, particularly around the spine, upper-left corner and outer edges.

The following assessment is based on the supplied front-cover photograph.

Front Cover

• Original illustrated photographic front cover is present.

• Main Ducati racing photograph remains clear and colourful.

• Magazine title, issue number, cover date and headlines remain legible.

• Noticeable surface rubbing and scuff marks are present.

• Fine scratches and general handling wear are visible across the glossy surface.

• There are small marks and light speckling in various areas.

• Some localised creasing and surface waviness can be seen.

• The cover is not perfectly flat.

Spine and Left Edge

The spine displays noticeable wear.

• Visible rubbing and abrasion along the left-hand edge.

• Some small worn or nicked sections.

• A noticeable damaged or bent section at the upper-left corner.

• Localised white paper exposure where the printed surface has worn.

• Additional handling wear towards the middle and lower spine.

• The edge appears slightly uneven from use and storage.

Corners

• Top-left corner: Noticeably creased, folded and worn, with a small area of paper damage.

• Top-right corner: Slightly bent, with minor edge wear.

• Bottom-left corner: Visible rubbing and slight rounding.

• Bottom-right corner: Minor bending and handling wear.

Outer Edges

• Light scuffing and rubbing along the upper edge.

• Small areas of wear along the right-hand edge.

• Minor creasing and rubbing along the lower edge.

• Small marks and age-related imperfections are visible.

Interior Pages and Binding

Only the front cover has been supplied for inspection.

The internal pages and reverse cover have not been independently checked.

Consequently, the following cannot be confirmed from the available photograph:

• Whether every original page is present.

• Condition of all interior pages.

• Whether there are internal annotations or marks.

• Whether any internal pages have tears or creases.

• Overall strength of the binding.

• Whether any originally supplied loose inserts remain.

Overall Condition

Condition: Fair vintage condition based on the visible cover.

The magazine retains its attractive Ducati racing photograph and clearly readable cover information.

However, the worn upper-left corner, spine rubbing, surface scuffing and general handling wear should be taken into account.

This is a used collectible magazine dating from 1997 and should not be considered mint or near mint.

Please examine the supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the item description and condition assessment.

Important – Original Extras and Supplements

The sale is for the Classic Racer November/December 1997 magazine, Issue No. 68, shown in the photograph.

Any original free gifts, promotional items, loose inserts, separate supplements or other additional items which may originally have accompanied this magazine are no longer included.

Only the magazine itself is offered for sale.

Packaging and Delivery

Your magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending and damage during delivery.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box to provide additional protection during overseas shipping.

Final Summary

An original Classic Racer Magazine, November/December 1997, Issue No. 68, featuring a dramatic front-cover photograph of Paul Smart's Ducati racing motorcycle and a special retrospective marking 25 years since the famous 1972 Imola 200 victory.

Additional advertised features include:

• Manx Grand Prix – From the Trackside and the Saddle.

• Mark Brelsford – The Curse of the #1 Plate.

• Monza – 75 Years of Triumph and Tragedy.

• Patrick Godet.

• Mick Hemmings.

• Brian Richards.

• Australian motorcycle speedway and racing engines.

A desirable period motorcycle racing publication with particular appeal to Ducati enthusiasts, classic road-racing collectors and fans of historic international motorsport.

The actual magazine shown in the photograph is the item being sold.

SKU: 1585