Eppynt history (2)

Top motorcycle racer in Wales of that era was Jack Daniels of Swansea, who won 1948 Isle of Man Unlimited Clubmans TT on a Vincent 998 shortly prior to winning 1948 Eppynt TT.  Daniels was to carry out a ‘recce.’ practice session at Eppynt for the organisers on a new Triumph twin.  Accompanied by Ron E Davies of Swansea on a brand new Velocette MAC with Dowty forks who recalls that his Velocette was freshly bought from Handel Davies’s showrooms.  Ron’s brother Jack Davies accompanied them on his 500 Comp. Matchless.  Jack Daniels’s son Gordon, who was destined to win the Manx GP was just 7 years old then, travelled along with Jack on the pillion seat.  F W Haines of Swansea went along on his Norton ES2 to take care of the photographic results.  Ron Davies attended Eppynt later as a spectator and what stuck in his mind is the amount of jet changing plus carburettor adjustments altitude of the circuit brought about.  Ron was later with Jack Daniels at Cartersford when a small hole in the road was to catch Jack out and kill a fine rider.  Jack was thrown over his machine, a protruding branch struck him high on his forehead.  Such a tragic loss.  Jack’s wife Beryl was actually nearby in a car when the accident occurred.  I shall say no more of this terribly sad accident.  

1948 Eppynt TT was followed by speed trials for Britain’s ISDT team.  1949 the ISDT was held nearby at Llandrindod Wells with Speed Trials Day at Eppynt.   Mainland TT became what Circuit racing was proudly dubbed.  When a tall Skylon  stood straight in London on 1951 Festival of Britain centenary Eppynt TT quickly became Festival of Britain TT.  Crowning of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 saw it termed The Coronation TT.