Born on 28 December 1950 in Silsden (West Yorkshire, England), Martin Lampkin is the third son of a motorcycle dynasty. His father (Arthur Lampkin Sr.) had come from Kent to West Yorkshire with his wife riding a BSA 400 before the war. His elder brothers, Alan and Arhur Jr, would become motorcycle competitors, becoming members of the BSA factory racing team in the 60s. Martin started to ride at the age of 11 and also rode in various off road disciplines. He ended specializing in observed trials. In the early 70s, he began to take part in the British and European Championships.
He was hired by the Bultaco factory and in 1973 he became European Champion, and then in 1975 the first Trial World Champion in history. Martin Lampkin also won the Scottish Six Days Trial (1976, 1977, 1978), and the British National Championship (1973, 1978, 1980). He kept on riding in the World Championship until 1982 when he retired and started to take care of his son’s career: Dougie was to become seven times World Champion, keeping on the family tradition successfully.
Text: Marc Pétrier / Photo Don Morley
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ThrowbackThursday: Martin Lampkin
