David Thorpe was the epitome of his profession, a brilliant rider and a true athlete. He was what every young motocrosser aspired to be. Throughout his illustrious career, Dave dominated the headlines, clinching Schoolboy, AMCA, British and finally World Championship titles. Yet things could have been very different had the teenager not made the decision to concentrate on motocross rather than pursue a career as a professional footballer.

During his schoolboy years, DT’s two great loves were motocross and football, and he was more than capable at both. Pride of place among his magnificent trophy haul is a rather significant football, as David explains. “The ball is the one I used at Wembley when my county side put me in for a penalty competition. I went through various knockout events throughout the UK, and the final was at Wembley before the Aston Villa/ Everton cup final. I was taking the shots at Peter Shilton, and I finished second, with three out of five.”

Explaining the reasons behind his decision to concentrate on motocross, David says: “I’ve always been an individual sportsman and I don't like having to rely on other people. I like the fact that when I'm sitting on the start line, the race is about how I perform – not 10 other people.”

David Keith Thorpe was born on 29 September 1962 in Tooting, South London, the only child of Keith and Joan. Keith worked as service manager at Comerfords of Thames Ditton, Surrey, and was a regular competitor himself. It was his father’s interest in scrambling that introduced Dave to motorcycling. At the tender age of three, he was given his first bike – a home made special built by his father.

As soon as he hit school age, the young Thorpe entered his first schoolboy race in Oxford. He won first time out in an early indication of things to come. With schoolboy scrambling becoming firmly established countrywide, Dave came through the ranks with flying colours, winning everything in sight.

Keen to progress his son’s career, dad Keith applied to the ACU for a special licence for the 15-year-old to ride a 250cc machine, a move that was declined by the governing body. Unhappy at leaving Dave’s career stagnating in the schoolboy series, the Thorpes approached Don Green of the AMCA and their application was gratefully accepted. DT went on to win both the 250cc and Superclass titles in the Amateur series.

It was at this stage that Dave was approached by Team Green boss Alec Wright to contest the ACU domestic championships. The Kawasaki boss, although a hard taskmaster, was noted for recognising and adopting young talent and DT certainly fitted in with his future plans. “Alec played a big part in my career,” reflects Thorpe with fondness.

More in the magazine...

End of sample article | Top of page | Buy Classic Dirt Bike