Double Twelves

Sir,

W B’s feature on the Double Twelve Motorcycle Records (July issue) was of great interest. May I however clarify a minor detail which seems to have confused authorities and historians alike for over sixty years.

There were three Dusseks: AEH —a successful bicycle racer at the turn of the century — and his two sons A J (Alan), who raced Nortons, and E A (Eric), who frequently passengered A J. Eric rode in the Double Twelve team, which was managed by Alan, who had retired from competition in 1931. The Couper in the squad was W M ‘Mike’ Couper, of Lagonda and Talbot fame.

When the FICM issued the World Record certificates, the muddle started. Eric’s certificate refers to ‘Dussek’, but Mike’s copy shows ‘A J Dussek’ as a rider. All of which is a dire warning to would-be historians…

Ian Dussek, Plaxtol, Sevenoaks, Kent.