Triples Who's Who

Triples Who's Who
Honorary Members & Famous Faces

Frank Perris

Frank has ridden at two Beezumphs, riding Mike Braid's bikes and also Team Obsolete machines such as the AJS 7R3 at B10. Born in Canada, Frank worked for AMC at Woolwich in the racing drawing office as part of the works team in the 1950s, and got to ride some decent tackle.

In '58, he rode for John Vickers, on a Manx Norton and the 'JV Specials' - basically the original Tritons: Manx-framed 500 and 650cc Triumph engined machines. Frank also campaigned his own Grand Prix Triumph. From 1959 to 1961 he rode a Petty-tuned Manx Norton and in 1961 came 3rd in the 500 World Championship. Offered a works ride by Suzuki in 1962, after a successful first time ride in the 1961 Belgian GP Frank rode with them for four years.

Following a one-off ride for Gilera for their one race at Brands Hatch at the end of 1966, Frank moved to South Africa as business partner of Mike Hailwood until 1970. Following a phone call from Dennis Poore, Frank was offered the position of Director of Norton Villiers Performance Shop, and managed the John Player Norton Team up until its demise in 1977. Presiding over a team which included such notables as Peter Williams, Dave Croxford, Tony Rutter, Phil Read, Mick Grant, John Cooper, Alex George, Rex Butcher and Norman White, the era came to an end with the disastrous Cosworth.

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Ron Barrett