Rotrax Jap Speedway

Key facts

Year

1950
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

497cc
Cylinders

1
Valves

Overhead valve
Maximum speed

70mph
Price new

£150
Loaned by

Private Owner
Manufacturer

Alec Jackson Motor Export Ltd

The frame of this motorcycle was used by John Walter Denton Oliver, who rode for Belle Vue Aces in Manchester during the 1940s and 50s. ‘Dent’ began riding in 1946, competing in his first international against Australia in 1948. He also rode for Bradford and Sheffield before returning to manage Belle Vue in the 1960s.

Speedway, originally known as dirt track racing, originated in the USA and Australia. The first British meeting was in 1927 and the sport soon became incredibly popular. The design of Speedway bikes has seen little change in more than fifty years. The JAP 497cc speedway engine first appeared in 1930 and was still being raced in the 1970s.