R.I.P Les Sharpe

Written by AMCA OFFICE Friday, 11 March 2011 00:00

The AMCA in the midlands has lost one of its longstanding charactors suddenly on 24th February, Les Sharpe.

Les had been involved in AMCA mx since the early 1970's when he started attending the races as a member of the Bridgnorth MXC with his brother Jim Dobson who raced back in the day. Les worked tirelessly for the Club throughout the years ending up as President and to this day is an Honourary member of the Club. In the early days, people would remember Les all around the track with his legendary sledge hammer over his shoulder tirelessly repairing posts and rope. He would do this role not only for the Bridgnorth Club, but would also cover the local IMBA's and Championship meetings.

Les then took over the start gate in the early 80's with Ray Marshall and he never looked back, week after week, he would be there not only setting it up but would also operate it, no matter what the weather, open shirt and string vest was the usualy dress code for Les. So dedicated to the job, Les would spend many an hour during the week cleaning and maintainining the gate to esnure it wouldn't fail on race day. Many of you older riders probably remember that when you rode into that half acre of ground which covered the start area, Les was in charge and he would let you know in no uncertain terms if he thought you were messing around. He reluctantly had to give up this role a few years ago under doctors orders, bearing in mind he was well into his 70's, otherwise I am sure he would still have been there every Sunday, string vest and all.

On a personal note, myself, Jamie and Darrn Dobson (unlce) owe Les a massive debt of gratitude for the help and support he gave the three of us throughout our racing years, (speaking for myself) without his undying support I wouldn't have been able to carry on racing for the length of time I did (32 years in total). This larger than life charactor will be greatly missed by all who knew him - the man was quite simply A LEGEND! R.I.P Les Sharpe.

Words and pictures: Steve Marshal