Lincolnshire rider Dickie Dale was remembered more for his association with Italian factories. He raced a wide variety of marques and performed well on them all; while his slight build and quiet manner belied a determined attitude to racing. He also had a smooth sensitive riding style, which suited him well to the ultra-light Moto Guzzis of that era.
A Win at the 1948 Manx
He was born in 1927 in Wyberton where his father owned a haulage business. In 1945 Dale began his compulsory National Service, and following de-mob in 1948 he furthered his racing career at English road circuits, using a 500 Norton and 350 Velocette. His Isle of Man debut was the 1948 Lightweight Manx Grand Prix; riding a 250 Moto Guzzi he demonstrated his potential by winning the race in convincing style.
Norton Works Ride
At the 1949 Isle of Man TT he was provided with a works Guzzi for the Lightweight event. He was holding a three-minute lead ahead of the other works runners, until the Guzzi succumbed to its Achilles heel; a broken valve spring. Dale’s ability attracted the notice of Joe Craig who provided a works Norton for the 350 Ulster Grand Prix, where he gained 6th place. For the 1950 season Dale was back in the Norton team for the Dutch TT, finishing 7th in the 350 race. At the wet Swiss Grand Prix he showed his versatility in taking a works Benelli into 3rd place in the Lightweight.
A Cruel Setback
The 1951 season began well for Dale, with a win at the North West 200 in the 350 and second in the 500 behind Johnny Lockett. More success came his way at the Eppynt circuit in Wales; with wins in the 350 and 500 finals, riding the same 350. These successes ensured him a place in the 1951 Norton team but he was to be cruelly denied his opportunity. Practice for the Isle of Man TT had barely started before Dickie was taken ill. His problem was first thought to be pleurisy but it proved to be far more serious; he was stricken with tuberculosis. His convalescence was a prolonged and frustrating period, and in 1953 he joined Duke and Armstrong at Gilera. On his first outing on the Italian four he scored a win at the North West 200 in the 500 race ahead of Armstrong. Dale got among the points at Belgium, Italy and Spain. His best result was 2nd place at Monza, behind Duke and ahead of teammate Liberati.
MV and Moto Guzzi Works Teams
For 1954 Dale became a member of the rival MV concern. His best result came at the end of the season with 1st place at the Spanish Grand Prix. He also finished 4th at the 500c Ulster Grand Prix, but his tenure with MV lasted only one season. .In 1955 he began a long and fruitful association with Moto Guzzi; a highlight of his initial season was first place in the 350 Italian Grand Prix. Dale gave the fabulous V8 its only Isle of Man outing with 4th place at the 1957 Golden Jubilee TT. At the close of the season, Moto Guzzi, Gilera and others pulled out of international racing. Without the security of a works ride many riders were facing redundancy. Duke and Dale equipped themselves with works-prepared BMWs. Duke never came to terms with the BMW and reverted to the more amenable Norton. Dale persevered for two seasons before he followed a similar path to Duke.
Tragedy at Nurburgring
In April 1961, the battling privateer was leading the field on his Norton in a 500 cc event at the notoriously difficult Nurburgring, when he crashed heavily in the wet and treacherous conditions. He was critically hurt, and sadly he succumbed to his injuries while being airlifted to a Bonn hospital. It was a tragic end to Dale’s career; one that he pursued with modesty and dedication.
Murray McLeod - Murray has maintained an involvement in the arts for many years and for a time he operated his own gallery at Mt., Tamborine overlooking ...
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