On my visit to the SSDT back in May 2003, I met Don Smith on the evening of 1st Scottish Pre65 day at the Clachaig Inn, where I stayed with my father.

It was about 7 pm and I had a beer at the pub, during my father Mark (80 years old) had a nap before dinner. Next table to me where 2 gentlemen, one was smoking roll up cigarettes. I asked him, if he would mind me smoking a cigar? "Of course not, go ahead!". I asked the two seniors, what they were doing here? "Watching the Pre65!" one guy answered. "Years ago, I competed myself, but I never won"..."Oh, you must have been good, then" I answered, " What's your name?" I asked getting curious. "Don Smith." ??? "You must be joking" "No, no, this is my former competition manager Bill Broker" .. Ok, the guy smoked since 30 min one cigarette after the other, and quickly I found out, that it must be true.

Me and my father talked till midnight with Don and I learned a lot of stories, about Greeves, Montesa and low salaries at that time, etc. So I got to know Don. He gave me his autograph on the Pre65 program.

Don was starting the Pre65 on next Sunday morning. Next day and on the 6 days I met him & Bill several times.

Sadly, he passed away 1 year later.

Patrick http://www.twnclub.ch/history_trial_files/DonSmith/don_smith.htm