Words & Pics Knackers
2019 HANDSHIFT BATTLE
C
ommencing in 2015, the winners
between Harley-Davidson and
Indian so far have been H-D (in
2015), H-D, Indian and Indian
again last year.
Historic Motorcycle Racing Association
Victoria’s race events are fought out over
three rounds: Vic Champs, Winton and
the Southern Classic. Points are awarded
for participation as well as race results.
New bikes are being built and younger,
faster riders are being drafted into the class.
A definite crowd favourite, the Handshift
Battle continues to be a highlight of
HMRAV events, growing from 17 entries in
2015 to 47 in 2018.
Bill Brice (#27) is an original founder of
the event. His history alone is well worth
reading, so here goes ...
Back in the late ’70s and early ’80s
Bill drag-raced big-bore Jap bikes at
Castlereagh Dragstrip until it closed.
In 1986, after he’d been a spectator
at vintage road races he wanted to
get involved so he built a bike and
experimented with various engines. At
Amaroo Park in 1987, Bill competed
in the Hill Climb event and a roadrace
with mate, Bruce Quarmby. At this timeno sidevalve Harleys had been raced in
Australia – back then if you weren’t riding
British or European you weren’t made
welcome. Ironic given the times and
circumstances now. One competitor on a
Rudge commented, “You’ll never do any
good with that tractor!”
But that was all Bill needed to inspire
him to succeed.
In 1990, Charlie Palmer started racing
a H-D WLA and copied Bill’s recipe for
success by installing a Triumph 4-speed
gearbox. This was the start of many years
of enjoyable rivalry for Bill and Charlie.
2001 was the year well known motorcy-
cle collector/racer Tony Blain began racing
a WLA, this one with a BSA gearbox. A
while later Ray Isles from Melbourne
turned up at Eastern Creek with a WLA.
By then, momentum had well and truly
taken hold. It was 2003 when the first
Indian Scouts arrived on the track, ridden
by Warwick Ellis.
Onward to 2005 and Tony Blain
announces he wants to concentrate on
racing the bike with the original 3-speed
handshift.This year’s Handshift Battle continued the upward trend for the Class C
competition, pitting young against old, Harley against Indian, pride versus pride!
Above: Bill Brice, one of three founders of the Harley v
Indian Class C rivalry in Australia, has been racing since
the late ’70s.