When Whitham and Mackenzie Battled for the 1996 British Superbike Crown

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The stars aligned for this amazing British Superbike squad, formed just over 30 years ago to take part in the 1996 series. Bertie Simmonds reports…

Run out of the back of Steve โ€˜Stavrosโ€™ Parrishโ€™s former Loctite Yamaha converted horsebox, the group dominated that yearโ€™s event. James Whitham took 10 wins overall that year and Niall Mackenzie took five wins. Whitโ€™s double no-score at the opening round at Donington Park in March meant he was playing catch-up…

Top team! From left to right: Barry Stanley, Adrian Marsh, Niall Mackenzie, Rob McElnea, James Whitham, 'Stuey' Smith and Mel Allen.
Top team! From left to right: Barry Stanley, Adrian Marsh, Niall Mackenzie, Rob McElnea, James Whitham, ‘Stuey’ Smith and Mel Allen.

By the seasonโ€™s end (also at Donington Park) in October the two title rivals went into the doubleheader equal on points. The Scot eventually would take the title by just four points.


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The two will be on stage over the weekend of 10-11 October at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show held once more at the Stafford County Showground.

Itโ€™s hoped that Niall will bring his beautiful Belgarda Yamaha YZF750SP which the team used in 1996-1998.

James will be at the show on both days, while Niall will attend on the Sunday, after he jets back from the Estoril round of World Superbikes, where his son Tarran will be racing.

Go to: https://www.kelsey.events/staffordo to book tickets.

The original article appeared in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics. To subscribe to the magazine rammed with hints, tips and nostalgia please clickย HERE

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