Freddie Dixon (1892-1956 ) Expert engine tuner, innovator, record breaker , motorcyclist TT winner and Riley marque car racing.
Frederick William Dixon was born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.
As a teenager, he was apprenticed to a local car dealership: 'McAdams' garage in Yarm Lane.
It was here that his interest in car and motorcycle engines gathered momentum.
In 1912 at the age of 20 , he was offered a 'Cleveland Precision' motorcycle to compete in the Senior TT on the Isle of Man. The maker imposed one condition: That the bike was to remain strictly standard.
He agreed, at least until the race was underway! Then, so many bits fell off or otherwise demonstrated their unfitness for purpose, that the experience added fuel to Freddie's natural inclination for inspired modification.
He did not finish this particular race, and returned home battered and bruised.
Nevertheless, he had made his racing debut and the rest ( so they say ) is history !
For a comprehensive account of Freddie's exploits we recommend obtaining the book by David Mason entitled:-
'The Man with the Heart of a Lion', published by Haynes
As a teenager, he was apprenticed to a local car dealership: 'McAdams' garage in Yarm Lane.
It was here that his interest in car and motorcycle engines gathered momentum.
In 1912 at the age of 20 , he was offered a 'Cleveland Precision' motorcycle to compete in the Senior TT on the Isle of Man. The maker imposed one condition: That the bike was to remain strictly standard.
He agreed, at least until the race was underway! Then, so many bits fell off or otherwise demonstrated their unfitness for purpose, that the experience added fuel to Freddie's natural inclination for inspired modification.
He did not finish this particular race, and returned home battered and bruised.
Nevertheless, he had made his racing debut and the rest ( so they say ) is history !
For a comprehensive account of Freddie's exploits we recommend obtaining the book by David Mason entitled:-
'The Man with the Heart of a Lion', published by Haynes