We don`t have many figures of national standing in this Centre – but with the sad loss of Dennis Slaughter M.B.E. at the age of ninety-one, after suffering a long illness, we - and the whole of motorcycle sport - have lost a major figure. If Dennis ever had gone on to be awarded a title, he probably would have opted for: “Lord Lyng”, as he loved the historic off- road venue at Cadders Hill, just outside the village of that name. He was already regarded in motocross circles as: “The King of Lyng”.
For virtually the whole of his life, he had spent countless hours in managing and maintaining it as a major and internationally recognised motocross circuit. Indeed, with transport provided from his care home, he was able to attend the final meeting of this season at his beloved venue, last October. He had long connections there right from his younger days before the Second World War, when he attended and assisted at Norwich Viking meetings of the time and he was said to never have missed a speed event there since 1948!
Dennis was a shrewd businessman and had a motorcycle business in Norwich. After National Service, he had been active and successful as a rider, following his elder brother, Colin who was already competing in both solo and sidecar meetings. Dennis began in trials and featured in inter-club events, then progressed to grass track racing and in 1954, won the Eastern Centre 250cc solo championship. He might well have gone on to achieve more, had it not been for a cruel injury sustained in 1956. He also supported riders, sponsoring both Ray Parker, and later, Ray`s son, Luke, who won the Centre Championship in 2016. Earlier he had Geoff Mayes as a rider, and he won the 1980 British Championship.
Behind the scenes of outdoor activity, he had been chairman of the renowned Norwich Vikings club and later, became their President. He served for many years on the Eastern Centre Competitions Committee and over the years, rose to be chairman of the ACU Motocross Committee. In addition to all that, he managed the British Motocross des Nations team for several years, including the 1994 event when they broke the USA’s 13 year domination to take the title (the last time a British team lifted the trophy).
Seeing how the sport was beginning to suffer with loss of venues, it was Dennis who came up with the idea of a “Land Fund” - funded by levy - to attempt to secure more permanent sites At the turning of his 80th birthday, a large celebration party was held for him, with the Chairman of the ACU attending - along with several former champion riders.
Dennis had suffered from indifferent health in recent years but he attended meetings whenever he could, both at the outdoor motocross circuits, along with Lyng and also the indoor Board and committee meetings which are necessary to keep the sport running. Always well turned out, his keen eyed attention observed and took it all in but usually Dennis said very little. When he did make any comment, it was invariably straight to the point and of practical common-sense. His quiet Norfolk tones and dry wit will be missed by riders and officials alike. "Unique and kindly” are apt descriptions for this true man of motorbikes.