Pete Simpson obituary:
By Barry Robinson
Motor cycle trial sport in North Yorkshire lost yet another stalwart with the passing of Wensley farmer Peter Simpson early this week. Pete, as he was best known in the Richmond Motor Club circles, was a true all-rounder on two and three wheels. His trials riding on two wheels took him to the Scottish Six Days Trial on three occasions in the seventies when competitors assembled in Edinburgh then rode their machines up to Fort William and back! He also spectated at the Highland trial on many occasions. Ironically Pete was twenty nine years old when he got his hands on motorcycle as his father prevented him from two wheeled transport. A move out of the family home and a marriage to Beryl released Peter They brought up sons Gary and. Mark. Many a weekend he would travel with Ray Sayer and watch trials riders in action. In a very short time he competed in a trial on Gandale Moor then really dived in at the deep end by entering the Scott Trial but the BSA machine he rode fell by the wayside with a blown engine. Undeterred Pete was back for more a year on and gained Finishers Certificate which in those heady days was akin to winning the trial. After five Scott Trials he joined the refuelling teams and also observed the sections. Later in the seventies an ex Arthur Lampkin joined the Simpson stable plus a sidecar and that outfit was replaced a Montesa 310 cc machine with Michael Orde-Powlett in the hot seat. Another event on the calendar was the Manx Two Day Trial in which he competed and sponsored other competitors. Pete, in his later years, was a regular trials observer and as an official he will be missed by all who knew him.
The funeral service will take place at Wensley Church on Monday 10th February at 2.00 pm.
TRIALS GURU 