readers write

Remembering Phil Kettle

Dear CR Your ‘Race of Attrition’ article in the November edition of Classic Racer regarding the present day breakdown rate in the Isle of Man classic races is always an interesting subject to ponder on.

There are, I’m sure, many theories on the subject, all worth a listen to. But reading your article gave me a smile and reminded me of the chats I used to have with my neighbour, the late Phil Kettle, who as you know was Francis Beart’s right-hand man, the other part of the Beart Equipe for many years through the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Many a happy hour was spent in Phil’s kitchen listening to the tales of the TT and Manx GP races of years gone by, often interrupted by Mrs