‘Hogslayer’ to roar again at 2024 Dragstalgia
The Norton twin-engined machine that dominated motorcycle drag racing back in the 1970s is to feature at this year’s Dragstalgia event at Santa Pod in July, 5th-7th.
A small group of seasoned drag racing motorcyclists wanted to recognise the huge contribution that US rider Tom ‘TC’ Christenson, and engineer and tuner John Gregory, made to the sport of motorcycle drag racing. It is especially relevant following Tom Christenson's passing in 2023.
Today’s announcement appropriately comes on the day that John Gregory celebrates his 90th birthday. Photojournalist Keith Lee has kept in touch with John for over 50 years, and has passed on very useful information from him to help run the bike. John commented: “It is great that you guys are doing this. I just wish I was there to see it run again.”
From a kernel of an idea, Neil Baskerville, son of Ray, who was a respected builder and rider back in the day, approached Chris Illman to ask what were the chances of approaching the National Motorcycle Museum to see if we could borrow Hogslayer to display at Dragstalgia as a fitting tribute to Christenson and Gregory.
Chris, who has a long standing relationship with the National Motorcycle Museum, approached Museum Director James Hewing, to ask if he would grant permission for Hogslayer to be released for display at Dragstalgia. Not only did he readily agree, but suggested: “If you can get it running again and ridden, that would be a real bonus!” That was an offer not to be refused, and hopefully a long held dream turned into a reality. What more encouragement do we need?
Having been on static display at the National Motorcycle Museum for some 20 years since coming from the USA in 2004, it was clear that a considerable amount of work would be required. Plans are currently in place to relocate the machine to secure premises in Hertfordshire, where recommissioning will be carried out.
The prospect of seeing and hearing Hogslayer’s mighty roar again at Santa Pod will make this year’s Dragstalgia an event not to be missed.
March 2024