Transatlantic Match Race ‘76 by Greening

• Larry Lawrence
“First Lap Charge in Gerrards”

“First Lap Charge into Gerrards” — Steve Baker (32) leads Phil Read, Gary Nixon (9), Kenny Roberts, Mick Grant, Barry Sheene, Dave Potter (6), Pat Hennen (40), Barry Ditchburn, Randy Cleek (29), John Williams and Steve Parrish in the 1976 Transatlantic Match Races at Mallory Park. (Jim Greening Collection)

I think one of the reasons I got into photography was first seeing the images of two photographers – Don Morley and Jim Greening. Both Brits, Morley’s Motorcycle Grand Prix photos were just amazing. He used some of the longest telephoto lenses of the day to capture dynamic frame-filling racing action. Greening, who penned the wonderful “Pipeline” column for Cycle, had a way of capturing the atmosphere of a race. He too used long lenses, but at times he would back off, put on a shorter lens and capture stunning racing images.

I met Greening when I went to England for the Match Races in 1991. At the time I was working on a history of the series for a multi-part story in American Roadracing. The story just got so huge it was out of hand (maybe a future book project) so I never completed the feature. Greening graciously sent me some photos for the article. When I told him the project was canned he told me his system couldn’t handle re-filing the photos so he told me to keep them for future use.

A few years later Jim Greening passed away and I’m honored to be able to share these photos today. I have 16 of the greatest Transatlantic Match Race photos shot by Greening that I will feature over the next year.

This photo is classic Greening. Probably shot with a 135mm or 200mm lens, it shows first-lap action during the 1976 Match races at Mallory Park. American Steve Baker leads the pack. The number of legends in this photograph is simply astounding. Using the smaller focal length instead of a more typical 300-500mm lens this angle might call for, allowed the photo to include the massive crowd watching the race.

In honor of one of the all-time great racing photographers I’m proud to present the first of the Jim Greening Match Race Series.

15 thoughts on “Transatlantic Match Race ‘76 by Greening”

  4. The tracks do seem more dramatic. It looks like a lot of thought went into providing fans really good vantage points to watch the races.

    Larry

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  5. I was one of the lucky ones worked for many years with good old Jim in the Aircraft industry. One top of that did all his b/w printing and developing for many years and was in contact right up to the sad day. in fact still have 3 of his lenses. From Jim I spent many years as a photographer myself and did a weekly article for the local paper on the local racers. Those were the days pre digital. We also did a serial of mechanical articles on basic machining, my hands Jim’s photos.

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  6. Graham,

    I’m glad you found the site. Jim was one of my heroes from afar. His monthly column in Cycle was a must read in the pre-internet days. Plus he had such a great eye for photography. I was happy to meet him when I came over to the Match Races. At Brands I was staying at the track’s hotel (which was very expensive and was being paid for by the promoter). Jim gave me some grief about that saying something about rich Americans. I had a good laugh about that one and reminded Jim that I was a motorcycle racing journalist.

    He is missed.

    Larry

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  7. Pingback: Schlachter at Mallory Park – Trans-Atlantic Match Races by Jim Greening (1980) « The Rider Files

  8. Thanks for the comment Jim at times could be very harsh and very difficult to to get under his shin never did find out what made him tick in almost 20 years of working with him on a day to day basis. But he was always much better after lunch especially when back form the pub. Could tell you many stories about that. But at the track is was different Jim just changed and came alive. Know by all and his technical knowledge was so deep. But never did find out why he went of the IOM. To have letters read out in the sad day of his funeral by the likes of the great and still best all round for the sport as a whole Barry Sheene brought tears to many a strong man. Wish I know what did happen to all his years of photos hope they are well looked after. Your so right he is missed by many.

    Graham Barnes

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  9. Graham

    His photo archive would be a treasure. I too hope they land in a good place. Perhaps the National Motorcycle Museum.

    Larry

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      1. Nigel,
        Thanks for letting us know where Jim’s images ended up. At least they are still around… hopefully.

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  12. Larry,

    Thanks for posting these. I have a couple of Jim’s picks from the match races that I am honored to have. I always loved reading what was going on “…on the other side of the pond” as a teenager.

    If there are more to be seen, don’t hide them on us!!!

    MH

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