Jack Sparrow

Record type: Motorsport Biographies

Biography: Mount: Junior - Velocette

Age 37, Jack Sparrow had pre-war experience of short circuits including Park Hall, Oswestry, and Donington Park. In the 1948 Lightweight race of the Manx Grand Prix, Jack, a motor-cycle depot manager, finished 13th. In 1951 he was 15th in the Lightweight T.T. In 1952 he finished 21st in the Lightweight at 64.27 m.p.h., but was outside the time limit for an award.

Riding an “ex-works” Excelsior of 1939 vintage, he lasted for three laps of the 1953 Lightweight, but was then forced to retire. On the same machine last year, however, he finished 16th, at 66.83 m.p.h.
(TT Special, 10 June 1955, p.21.)

Mount: Lightweight – Excelsior

Age 33, depot manager at a motor-cycle agency in Shrewsbury. Jack Sparrow rode at short circuit meetings before the war, including Park Hall, Oswestry, and Donington Park. Although he is no newcomer to the T.T., he has ridden in the “Manx” and finished thirteenth in 1948 Lightweight race. Hobbies: “Looking after motor-cyclists’ interests in Shrewsbury.

His Excelsior is a genuine 1939 “works” machine with spring frame and B.R.B.R. motor, and has been used with some success since 1946 by Harold Kirby. Jack has brought it up-to-date with cone hubs, and modified oiling, rocker gear, etc.

He is his own entrant.
(TT Special, 6 June 1951, p.8.)

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