"This one is of the late Danny Shimmin
leaping Ballaugh Bridge. After being the fastest in practice he lead the 1972
Senior Manx Grand Prix on a Crooks-Suzuki (Seeley chassis with air cooled TR500
engine) from the start, only to retire on the 6th and final lap at Sulby when
the rear sprocket bolts sheared ! Danny went on to win the 1976 250cc Manx Grand
Prix on a 250 Yamaha. He also finished 2nd in the 1976 Senior Manx Grand Prix,
only 1.4 seconds down on Les Trotter on a Crooks-Suzuki (Seeley chassis with air
cooled TR500 engine). Danny became a top privateer in the TT races during the
1980's, then made a great comeback in the Classic Racing scene in the 90's.
Unfortunately Danny lost his life due to injuries after a crash during a
practice session for the 1997 Classic Manx Grand Prix." - Martin Crooks
"Here is a shot of Les Trotter during his
winning ride in the 1976 Senior Manx Grand Prix. The Les Trotter photo is of an
air cooled genuine TR500 engine in a Colin Seeley frame that my dad built
originally in 1972. It had had a few modifications over the years before Les won
the Manx on it. Les bought the bike back many years ago and has restored it to
virtually as the 1976 photo." - Martin Crooks
"another photo showing me
in 1972! Left to Right: 1972 500 production TT winner, Stan Woods, Race and shop
mechanic, John Maddison The sponsor, team manager and my dad, Eddie Crooks And
me!" - Martin Crooks
"Stan Woods at Quarter Bridge during the 500 production TT race in 1973, he should have won it, but had a problem while leading and ended up finishing 2nd.
The bike is a Crooks Suzuki T500K in production trim, with Dunstall forks.
" - Martin Crooks
Thanks to Martin Crooks for the photos and text
Crooks Suzuki at the 1999 IOM TT
Go back to Crooks Suzuki index page