1948 Isle of Man TT. Motorcycle Race #30
The Isle of Man TT Race in 1948 was a historic event, as it featured a record 100 riders who participated in the race. The post-war blues were firmly dispelled, and the spectators witnessed some of the finest motorcycling action. Here are some additional details about the event.
In the Lightweight race, the Italian Moto Guzzi team dominated the proceedings from the outset. Their machines were quick and nimble, and they held a commanding lead at the end of the first lap. However, the race took a dramatic turn on the third lap, when the defending champion, Barrington, and Tommy Wood, both retired, leaving the way clear for team member Dario Cann to claim a comfortable victory. He finished with ten minutes to spare, a remarkable feat in a race that saw only six machines finish from an initial entry of 26.
Maurice Cann (AJS) 1948 Junior TT - was also a participant Junior TT but finished only 5th
The Junior race was a closely contested affair, with Freddie Frith, riding a Velocette, emerging as the winner by a comfortable margin of over five minutes from his teammate Bob Foster. Artie Bell rode the first Norton home in third place, after a thrilling battle with the Italian Moto Guzzi team.
Freddie Frith (Velocette) at Quarter Bridge
Bob Foster (Velocette)
Artie Bell (Norton)
Les Martin (AJS) 1948 Junior TT - 11th - time 3:28.40.8 - speed 75.94 
Noel Christmas (Norton)
In the Senior race, the Moto Guzzis of Omobono Tenni and Erie Lyons dominated the practice sessions, with Norton not featuring in the first six positions. However, the race proved to be a challenging one, with retirements coming thick and fast. Tenni led the Triumphs of Foster and Bills at the end of the first lap, but he dropped back after making adjustments, allowing Bell to take the lead. Tenni rallied to set the fastest lap of the week at 88.06mph, but he dropped back again, giving Bell a comfortable victory. Bill Doran and Jock Weddell completed the podium.
Here, racer Artie Bell is captured on his Norton 500cc after winning the Senior TT in 1948, and Rex McCandless is seen holding the front of the bike
Ken Bills (Triumph) 1948 Senior TT - didn't finish the race
Сlubmans Senior race was won by J.D. Daniells riding a 998cc Vincent HRD motorcycle, followed by F. Phil Heath also on a 998cc Vincent HRD in second place, and C.A. Stevens riding a 490cc Norton in third place.
The race was hotly contested, with the top three finishers all setting impressive lap times and speeds. J.D. Daniells finished with a time of 1 hour, 52 minutes, and 29.6 seconds, at an average speed of 80.51 mph. F. Phil Heath finished just over a minute later with a time of 1 hour, 53 minutes, and 49 seconds, at an average speed of 79.58 mph. C.A. Stevens finished in third place with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 3.4 seconds, at an average speed of 76.01 mph.
Jack Daniels (HRD)
George Brown (Vincent)
N Osborne (Triumph)
Tom Hodgson (Triumph)
Don Crossley (Triumph)
Bill McVeigh (Triumph)
Chris Horn (HRD) 
Ted Davis (HRD)
Jack Daniels and Monty Lockwood
The Clubmans Junior race was an important race for amateur riders, and showcased the talent and skill of these up-and-coming riders.
The top three finishers were:
1. R.J. Hazlehurst riding a Velocette, with a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 47.2 seconds, at an average speed of 70.33 mph.
2. G.W. Robinson riding an AJS, with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 21.6 seconds, at an average speed of 70.02 mph.
3. Milton Sunderland riding a Norton, with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 13.4 seconds, at an average speed of 69.58 mph.
Ronnie Hazlehurst (Velocette)
The Clubmans Lightweight race was won by M. Lockwood riding an Excelsior. He completed the race in 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 37.6 seconds, at an average speed of 64.93 mph. The second place went to W.G. Dehany also riding an Excelsior, who completed the race in 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 13.8 seconds, at an average speed of 63.35 mph. R. Carvill riding a Triumph secured the third place with a time of 1 hour, 48 minutes, and 38 seconds, at an average speed of 62.53 mph. The Clubmans Lightweight race showcased the skills of amateur riders, and the race demonstrated the quality and competitiveness of the lightweight motorcycle category.
Bill Dehany & Monty Lockwood (Excelsior)
J Smith (Velocette) & Ron Carvill (Triumph)
The 1948 Isle of Man TT Race was a historic event that showcased the resilience and determination of the riders after the difficult post-war years. The racing was thrilling and intense, and the fans were treated to some of the finest motorcycling action of the time. It remains a memorable event in the history of the Isle of Man TT Race.
You can see more pics here.
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