The Start
At last I can tell the world about my very interesting life.......well some of it anyway.
Born in Lewisham, South London at the end of WWII. Growing up to find motor cycles. I always had an interest in all things mechanical. The very first "bike" was a 25cc cyclemaster, siezed solid but with the help of some paraffin and a hammer .... voila! it ran - much to the annoyance of the neighbours !!

Joining the Army
Visiting places that my brother had visited some years before. Visiting most of Europe. Getting lost on the army's prestigous "Ride Master Rally". That's why I took up circuit racing - no maps required ! Nurburgring was then still in its original form with the long pit straight and my little Morris Minor managed 14mins 14 secs for 1 lap, The carousel was not the thing to enter as the suspension went flat to the bump stops and then some !!!

Scuba Diving
Great time - almost got run down by a trawler on Brixham Reef. Dived under ice on life lines with a buddy whose demand valve siezed, so we had to share my air back to the surface. I had my own boat and underwater camera with which we visited the remains of the "MULBERRY" Harbours off the south coast. In the Midlands there is a site with an old aircraft, a bus and a VW camper to swim in and enjoy. This is where I experienced weightlessness and disorientation!

My Career
Workshop supervisor with the Metropolitan Police now took a new turn. After employing a new fitter Keith Rolfe I discovered he raced karts. We went on a test day and I was hooked. First with 100cc direct drive, then onto gearbox karts and the ultimate drive - a full blown long circuit machine capable of well over 110MPH. I went on to car racing and preparation and recieved best prepared car from the MG Owners Club, Built several midgets, set up the engines and enjoyed some success.
My current car is a mini 970cc Cooper S. A real buzz box.

Now
The age of 63 (Oh, how the years roll by) I am interested in family history and with my wife Marion thought this website would be the perfect tool to record my stories.

Please enjoy this site and if you would like to post a comment please do. Always nice to hear from friends old and new.......Hoppo.....alias Mick Hopkins