May 21st
The first races were held at Crystal Palace in London before a crowd of over 10,000 people.
Michael Duff takes 11th place in the 1961 French Grand Prix on a Matchless G50. After a career spanning more than three decades in motorcycle racing, journalism and as a dealer and specialist mechanic, he changed his name and became a she. In 1996 Michelle Duff published "Make Haste, Slowly", the Mike Duff Story.
Make Haste, Slowly
Helmets become compulsory in California. State-wide protests erupt about the cancellation of Darwin's Law.
Helmet Laws California
Alejandro de Tomaso died this day. In the mid 1950s he fled the fascist regime in Argentina for his grandfather's homeland, Italy. He became the owner of Benelli, Innocenti and Moto Guzzi.
de Tomaso