Kevin's dad Cyril Jones was a prominent national racer in the 50's and 60's, riding at both circuit races and the Isle of Man until his untimely death in 1972 at Snetterton on a TZ250, a bike originally built for Mike Hailwood.

Cyril became a team member of "Let's Go Racing" run by Motorcycle Illustrated and raced a Triumph Speed Twin which was fitted with the experimental Wal Philips fuel injection system.

Cyril with his mate Brian Burgess obviously sitting on the line waiting for the off, but where I wonder? I'm going to guess at Snetterton. You can see where I get me nose from.

Cyril (38) at Brands Hatch. Note that several of the riders are still adopting the old 'sidesaddle' position. Cyril later became a team member of "Let's Go Racing" run by Motorcycle Illustrated. It's interesting to note that he went on to race a Triumph Speed Twin which was fitted with the experimental Wal Philips fuel injection.

Cyril Jones at Silverstone as part of the Let's Go Racing Team. If I recall correctly, he won by a nose.

Triumph Speed Twin with the experimental Wal Philips Fuel Injection system.

An earlier picture of the same bike this time without the fuel injection. Could be Druids bend at Brands Hatch.

Triumph Daytona. The last picture I have before he was killed. I know this 'coz I have no other pictures of him in a full face helmet. Bike 15 is the only one I have any recollection of and believe this was owned by Dad's friend and supporter Tony Blain. The year would have been around 1971.

The most interesting bike he rode and one unfortunately that I have no pictures was a Yamaha TZ 250 which I am reliably informed was originally intended to tempt the legendary Mike Hailwood back into motorcycle racing after he had lost his way a bit and gone into car racing. Anyway, Mike didn't take up the offer so the bike was looking for a rider. Tony Blain being a friend of Hailwood's at the time suggested that Cyril ride it at Snetterton and the rest, as they say, is rather tragic history.

The above picture and unsurprisingly my favourite, features that aspiring Sound of Thunder racer Kevin Jones giving a few tips to Mike Hailwood at Brands Hatch after he had won some race or other. As you can see he is obviously World Champion at the time and on the Honda Six (I am only guessing at this by looking at the pipes). The chap in the sunglasses is my Dad and I do have a very hazy recollection of this happening. Shame it is such a poor quality photo for such a huge event in a small boy's life.

And some memories of the famed Isle of Man races in the days when motorcyclists had to have a jolly strong right leg and a goodly collection of spark plugs in their pockets ....

Cyril Jones dropping down to Creg ny Baa at the 1959 Isle of Man Manx races. I also recall Beeky Prendergast coming down May Hill. May wasn't too pleased, I can tell you.

A wonderfully evocative scene taken at the back of the garages during preparation for the '59 Manx Grand Prix. Cyril is standing at the back, perhaps weeing against the wall in that fine Island tradition. Note that everyone else is changing their spark plugs ...

Cyril nicking bits in the scrutineer's shed at the '59 Manx. Note pudding basin helmet in hand, the result of an earlier spree through Mrs Miggins' pie shop. We believe he ate the pudding when he spotted plod approching.

What wonderful old photographs from Kevin's archives. They bring back such happy memories of the Island and the good times we had round the back of the garages. Ah, the things one could do with a good dollop of Castrol R ...