Once again, those who knew, had confidently predicted neither a foreign bike nor a two-stroke would win such an event as the SSDT, and when Sammy Miller wheeled his Bultaco to the scrutineering ramps on weigh-in day of the 1965 Scottish, he was, if not pitied, certainly seenand as they motored into the mist riders were soon cold and wet before reaching any sections. With Miller one of six riders sharing top spot on the leader-board as the first day closed, there were also two Bultos among the six machines heading the entry. The terror of Tyndrum on Tuesday proved to be a let-down as none of the top riders even dabbed, though Miller needed hefty footwork to help his Bulto up Pipeline later in the day. The pundits seemed to be correct though as BSA man Scott Ellis went clean and he was leading the trial. Next day though, disaster struck and his BSA broke too badly to continue; Miller seized the lead and as each day finished the Ulsterman was on top of the heap. It was a different story during the day as 1963 winner Arthur Lampkin and Sammy swapped positions almost section by section. Disaster struck the Miller camp when, in close company with Arthur Lampkin, he tackled the 15 sections of Loch Eild path. It seemed a foregone conclusion where the J R Alexander Trophy would be heading, as Sammy cleaned section after section until the last one… At the end card the Bulto dropped out of gear, slowed and rolled back – “out!” cried Miller… “In” said the observer… heated debate ensued between spectators and rider as the observer tried to find a witness to confirm either way. No one could guarantee the wheel spindle was in or out, five went on the score and Sammy was behind Lampkin. Then Arthur footed in the next section while Miller went clean, the lead went back to him. Both riders added to their scores on Friday but the lead remained with Sammy, and with Saturday’s run to Edinburgh being on main roads with only a stop and restart test to contend with – oh and the driving rain and galeforce winds – Sammy Miller would take the double of first two-stroke and first foreign bike win of the SSDT.
