Eric Fernihough

Education

In the Belgian Grand Prix of the same year, Fernihough finished second to the local rider Yvan Goor.

Career

In 1927, Fernihough made his only participation in the Isle of Manitoba TT, finishing thirteenth in the 250 cc Lightweight TT. In the first half of the 1930s, Fernihough took part in many international races for the Excelsior Motor Company. In 1935, riding a Brough Superior, Fernihough improved the lap record at the Brooklands circuit, one of the fastest tracks of the time, to 123.58 miles per hour (19888 km/h). In 1936, Fernihough set a new motorcycle land-speed record for solo motorcycles over the flying mile on a Brough Superior at a speed of 163.82 miles per hour (26364 km/h).

The following year, he improved the record using a supercharged 1000 cc J.A.P. engine, upping the flying kilometre record to 169.79 miles per hour (27325 km/h).

He also set a new record for sidecar motorcycles at 137 miles per hour (220 km/h). Fatal accident

On 23 April 1938, Fernihough crashed while attempting to break the motorcycle land-speed record at Gyón, Hungary.

Achievements

• In April 1930 he won the North West 200 race in Northern Ireland in the 175 cc category. In September 1930, he won the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grand Prix in Pau, France. In June 1931, Fernihough won his second University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grand Prix in the 175 cc category and with it the title of European Champion. That year he also won the Belgian Grand Prix and the 250 cc category races at the North West 200 and Swedish TT. In 1932, Fernihough won the 175 cc races at the Dutch TT, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grand Prix and the Belgian Grand Prix. 1933 saw Fernihough and Excelsior win their fourth consecutive University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grand Prix in the 175 cc class.