Shay Hey Kid

I was at the meeting that night... Nielson had the lead coming out of turn four. IIRC the track was greasy if not flat out wet. Carter made a run off the bank of turn four on the outside of Hans. To this day I will swear that Nielson drifted wide enough to drive Carter into the fence of the home straight. Subtle but, just imo, deliberate.

On what grounds? imho none of those riders were even close to Carter. Carter's standing is diminished by the manner of his death ( and the lives he took with him both literally and figuratively ) and his apparent failure at World Final level. But he had something (and not just great machinery) which was not necessarily quantifiable. For those of us who had the privilege ( and yes it was a privilege ) of watching the Dukes at Shay and around the country, KC was the jewel in the crown. Good machinery, great rider. I just don't get the " not a natural on a bike " arguments.

I was there and it was jaw dropping. Those on the forum with better memories than me will be able to confirm or deny this but I seem to recall that Lee was using his "Gold Top" engine.. he absolutely destroyed KC at Shay. Needless to say I was not a happy boy.