Derek Minter - King of Brands

Derek Minter started his racing career in 1953 on a BSA Gold Star. His early promise as an inexperienced youngster was very quickly fulfilled. After transferring to a couple of Nortons, he soon became ‘King of Brands’, succeeding the famous John Surtees.

Derek Minter is one of the gretest-ever motorcycle racing stars. After becoming double British Champion in 1958, he became the first man to lap the Isle of Man TT circuit at over 100mph on a single-cylinder bike.

During 1962 he not only became triple British Champion, but he also won the 250cc TT on a privately entered Honda – beating the might of the Honda works team in the process.

By 1965 he held the lap record for virtually every British short circuit, and by the time he retired at the end of 1967 he had ridden for many manufacturers, including MZ, Moto Morini, Bianchi, REG, EMC, Honda and Norton.

Derek Minter: King of Brands is a fitting tribute to one of racing's heroes.

About the Author

Mick Walker is acknowledged as one of the world's leading motorcycle authorities. In a career which has spanned over 45 years, he has written over 100 books and curated several exhibitions.

He has also been a successful racer, tuner, team manager and talent scout. In 1998 he was involved in The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

There is virtually no aspect of the motorcycle industry in which he has not been involved. During the 1980s, he was editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast magazine and, in 1999, Ducati presented him with a lifetime achievement award, the first ever of its kind.