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Meetings 1931 - 1950

TT 1934

Jimmy Simpson decided that, after a glorious 13-year career, he would call it a day at the end of 1934 - with or without that much-merited first TT victory.

However, to the delight of everybody, he would not hang up those well-worn leathers without one win to show for his love-hate relationship with the Mountain Circuit.

He made his only appearance in the Lightweight category on a Rudge, and for once did not run out of luck. In wet and misty conditions he led a Rudge whitewash, followed by Nott and Walker. It was a fitting end to a TT career that saw him establish eight new lap records.

During the close season Woods had left Norton and joined the Swedish Husqvarna factory for 1934 amid great controversy. Ernie Nott joined him, and the pair of them were determined to challenge the Norton domination.

Nott rode the 350 Husqvarna in the Junior, but could do nothing to stop Guthrie and Simpson running away with the race on the Nortons. He finished third, but six minutes behind the leaders.

The Senior produced a stirring contest, however, with the Nortons of Guthrie and Simpson facing a stern challenge from the Husqvarna duo. While Nott went out in the early stages, Guthrie was in brilliant form, holding Woods at bay with Simpson third.

With just ten miles left, Woods ran out of petrol, leaving the untroubled Guthrie to complete the double. Simpson was second, with Velocette-mounted Ulsterman Walter Rusk third.

However, Woods would be back a year later to gain ample revenge.