2013 Classic Motorcycles at the Simeone Museum featuring Norton and Flat Track Racers

Above photo by Michael Furman,

all others by Matt Smith of smokeandthrottle.com

unless noted.

Simeone Museum Foundation creator, Dr. Frederick Simeone with a rare 1932 Norton Inter 500cc, an ex-TT works machine in good original condition. The Simeone Museum houses a world class collection of sports racing cars. Dr. Simeone opened the fifth annual Classic Motorcycles at the Simeone exhibit in style and with some very special guests slated to speak that evening.

2013 Special Guest, Brian Slark

No less than three AMA Hall of Fame members graced the Simeone Museum for one very memorable night on August 24, 2013. Most recent inductee Brian Slark, Technical Director of the Barber Museum in Birmingham, Alabama was the featured speaker. Brian shared stories of his days as a employee of AMC Motorcycles in the UK in the 1950's and 1960's. He was a keen off-road rider as well and that would factor heavily in his decision to emigrate to the USA in the 1960's. The lure of sunny, warm California and the promise of endless riding was too much to turn down. Once here, he found himself immersed in the burgeoning motocross scene and started the next chapter of his lengthy career. As the years rolled by and his experience and knowledge grew, he was tapped to head up the ground-breaking Art of the Motorcycle exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. After taking that show on the road, he settled down in Birmingham, Alabama to help assemble the greatest collection of motorcycles the world has ever seen in one place, The Barber Museum.

Brian Slark with host John Lawless

Cook Neilson with Rich Lambreth, our 'Birthday Boys'.

Nobby looks on as Cook contemplates the essential first cut of the cake.

Arguably the greatest motorcycle Grand Prix mechanic of all time, Derek 'Nobby' Clark was on hand to share Brian's special night, too. Nobby gave a heartfelt introduction to Cook Neislon, who graciously told the audience a little about why 'Slarkie' and 'Nobby' stood head and shoulders above the rivals in their respective fields. That he chose to spend his birthday with this group and his dear friends was just one more reason why you have to love Cook and his enthusiasm for life and celebrating good times with friends old and new.

Nortons were the order of the evening, so many were on display representing all eras of the famous Bracebridge street marque. After viewing them, we think you'll agree with their ad slogan from the 1950's , 'The Unapproachable Nortons'. Late in the evening, three machines were chosen to represent the best of their eras. A 1922 AJS single, a 1955/65 Norton Dominator Special and a 1963 Norton Manx 500cc, built on the last day of production. The two number 44 Nortons, were both photographed by Michael Furman specifically for the Classic Motorcycles at the Simeone Museum show. They are offered as posters at the museum.

photo by Michael Furman

Virginia based collecor Mustafa Terhani brought his 1922 AJS to demonstrate for the audience as is the custom at the museum, to see wheels in motion. To hear and smell the bikes as well.

The eight-time AHRMA 500 Premier Class Championship machine, built by Wilmington, De based Norton tuner, Maurice Candy. It's a highly refined 500cc Norton Manx that reflects what it takes to win at this level. This machine was clocked at Daytona Speedway in excess of 150 mph.

From Left: Norton Legend, Maurice Candy was congratulated by

fellow Norton racer and tuner Dick Miles.

Maryland based Bob McKeever on his 500cc Norton International at Daytona Beach for the 200 mile race in 1948 where he finished 14th. Bob has run Champagne Racing for over a decade now winning innumerable races on their brace of Nortons with rider Alex McLean and tuner Nobby Clark.

Mike Lawless from www.SportbikesInc.com and John Light from

Evans Cooling enjoy the festivities.

The most original complete matching numbers long stroke 500cc Norton Manx extant.

The show will run until Friday, September 6, 2013. The motorcycles are moved to nearby Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elgance to be part of the prestegious show on September 8 with Special Guest three-time Daytona 200 Winner, Dick Klamfoth.