Norman Brown

Who was Norman Brown?

Norman Brown was a professional motorcycle road racer.

Brown was born in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland where his father, Norman Brown senior, ran a public house: "The Star Bar", or "Brown's Bar", overlooking the Clanrye River and Newry Town Hall. Brown attended Newry High School. He won the 1982 "Classic race" in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy and in 1983, he raised the TT lap record to 116.19 mph in the Senior Classic event for machines up to 1000cc. He was killed during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on 31 July 1983. When it began to rain he slowed, apparently due to mechanical problems. With greatly reduced speed he continued the lap to reach the pits. After exiting the Stowe he held to the outside line and was passed by multiple riders before being hit by Swiss rider, whose view was obscured by the riders in front of him. The race was not stopped until multiple riders decided to enter the pits voluntarily. Both riders died as a consequence of their serious injuries.