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All content © Bob MuIIins | ||||||
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In the 1960's Ian was into Powerboat racing, becoming British Champion (I don't know which class he raced in) and then turned his hand to motorcycles. I first met him in the early 1970's when he started his Enduro Club Team (Team Marlin). His first I.S.D.T. was 1971 in the Isle of Man supporting Chris Cullen (350 Bob Gollner Yamaha) and Geoff Chandler (250 Bultaco). He was a natural organiser and rapidly ascended in the sport, becoming British Vase Team 'B' Manager in 1973, then in 1976 becoming the British Trophy Team Manager. His greatest achievement came in 1978 at the Swedish Six Days when with the back-up of Chris Oliver, they pulled off one of the greatest David and Goliath feats in I.S.D.T. history when in 1978 in Sweden they lead a team of British amateur riders to 3rd place in the World Trophy with six Gold medals, behind Czechoslovakia and East Germany. This was the culmination of seven years of work, ending on the World Trophy podium, backed up by a fantastic service crew. Ian's back-up Team comprised of about 20 dedicated volunteers in total, all self funded, who like the riders would do anything for Ian and the 'Team'. Above all else, everyone really had fun, lots of 'leg-pulls' and 'wind-ups' but if anyone got 'out of line' they felt Ian's sharp tongue; in the words of Dave Jeremiah "Consider yourself bollocked!" This 1978 result was not bettered by a British Trophy Team until last year; typically, Ian applauded Dusty Martin's Team effort coming 2nd to the U.S.A. Team and hoped that they would "go one better and beat the Bastards next year". He didn't mince words. Sleep well TM, you made a lot of people very proud and very happy.
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In loving memory of Ian Roger Driver
