My tribute to Martin: Sammy Miller MBE
By TMX Archives on 6th Apr 16
HAROLD Martin Lampkin we all knew him as Mart, always a very strong competitor and never one to surrender.
I first competed with Mart in 1969 at the Scottish Six Day Trial.
He was on a 128cc Gaunt Suzuki and at the end of the six days Bill Wilkinson was first, I was second and Mart was third – a wonderful achievement on such a small bike and along with his monster sideburns it made him stand out from the rest of us (Guy Martin probably picked up on Mart's sideburns).
It was always inspiring to see Mart at world championship events, looking after Dougie.
I remember at the British round in Bangor, Northern Ireland, when electronic communications were introduced between rider and minder but Mart's comment was "I do not need any electrical devices to speak to my son.” And it proved right on the day.
He was one of the great members of the Lampkin dynasty and there could not have been a better manager for young Dougie with riding technology, bike set-up and on-the-case advice.
Mart's progress to Bultaco in 1970 under my great late friend Jim Sandiford and later under Comerfords Bultaco impressed, with Reg May preparing and looking after his Bultacos.
After Bultaco Mart rode SWM, then he rejoined Jim Sandiford on the 1983 works Montesa.
Mart's input to the world championship series had a great stabilising effect but unfortunately the FIM did not listen to all his suggestions – what a pity.
It is without question that motorcycling has lost one of the great friendly competitors, a great friend and a legend.
