On the same day as the British nation lost their Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, the sport of motorcycling lost a veritable character and all round sportsman, Beetham born, Kentmere raised, Tony Bingley.

(Main Cover Image courtesy of Eric Kitchen)

Known throughout the trials world as ‘Bing’, he rode many Scottish Six Days Trials on Bultaco machinery. ‘Bing’ became good friends with Sid Lampkin and Malcolm Rathmell and he gained some support from Shell during his trial career. He also took up racing in his motorcycle sporting career.

Sid Lampkin got to know ‘Bing’ as teenagers when Sid competed in trials up in the Lakes: “Tony was an infectious character, everyone liked him and he was good company. He used to bring Libby’s products with him when he visited us, when he lived near their factory at Milnthorpe.”

Tony also competed in classic racing on a 496cc Seeley G50 Matchless and was no slouch at the tarmac game, posting an 88.72 mph lap in the 1994 Manx GP Classic Senior race. However, Tony suffered a major accident at Scarborough’s Oliver’s Mount circuit which, having a physical impact, curtailed his activities somewhat.

He was also a keen supporter and eventually became a director of Carlisle United Football Club, at one time their Commercial Director. But his main occupation was at Leyland Motors in Lancashire and most of his working life was motor trade based.

Tony Bingley was a friendly character, he enjoyed interacting with fellow competitors and organisers, it is true to say he was a likeable individual with an outgoing personality.

Tony’s son Gary was also an accomplished trials rider and in May 2022, Tony had great pleasure watching his Grandson, Jamie Bingley riding the Scottish Six Day Trial. Over a 50 year period, the Bingleys had a Grandfather, Father and Son competing in the same event.

Photo courtesy: Bingley Family, Carlisle.