Number Eight
NUMBER EIGHT
TOP MEN IN EUROPE
B. R. Nicholls
DEREK MINTER first came into prominence at the Brands Hatch circuit many years ago when he rode a BSA Gold Star against Manx Nortons and gained leaderboard positions. Perhaps his best was fourth behind Duke, Surtees and Trow, and that performance sums up Derek's greatest asset — determination. Whether it is on a short circuit or in a grand prix, Derek gives his best and it has produced a fantastic record of success. He was the first man to lap the Isle of Man on a single cylinder machine at over 100 mph, then had to retire from the race because of oil on the rear tire.
Chosen to ride the 250cc Honda four this season for Honda Limited, the British distributors, Derek has left a trail of shattered records wherever he has ridden. His finest performance this season was at Oulton Park on August the sixth where in three rides he gained three British Championship titles in 250, 350 and 500cc capacities. In the 250cc race he lapped every other rider with the exception of second man home who was Jim Redman. In the process he lapped on the Honda four at 89.55 mph which beat the old class record by over 3 mph; it is also better than the 350cc record and only one second outside the 500 class record.
He won the 250cc Isle of Man T.T. in June and on form looked good for the same class of the Ulster meeting until his 125cc race spill put him out of the running. Now thirty years of age, Derek is having his best ever season but looking ahead I think 1963 will see him at the peak of his career. •
