Minkie the Motorbike

When I were just a wee lad... one of the early motorcycle inspirations was a Ladybird book called Tootles the Taxi; within its thin tome was a page with this picture on it with a small verse.

I'm Minkie the motorbike

Off for a run,

Gathering up speed

Can be glorious fun !

For I am a racer

And run with a zest,

To win all the races -

North, South, East and West

A zippy, smilin', Norton Manx droning around a racetrack, rider crouched for speed, front wheel slightly loft!

An early edition had the boy, girl and dog on the track ~ removed from later versions due to safety concerns of kids wandering around Brands Hatch during races....  where are those stewards!