AFTER retiring five seasons ago, Broughton Gifford’s motorcycle racer, Darrell Higgins, made a return to racing recently, in the first round of the GP Originals championship, held at Brands Hatch Circuit in Kent.
Photographer Paul Korkus said, “He competed in the 350cc class on a bike that he built from scratch with help from long time sponsor Dennis Trollope and Andy Birbidge. Darrell first spoke about his plan to return to the track at last season’s GP Originals awards night, where we both picked up awards with the club for services to racing.
“Darrell got his for helping competitors with help and advice on bike set up and racing lines and I got mine for providing the photos for use on their website and press releases.
“After qualifying at Brands Hatch, Darrell was 16th fastest overall and 13th fastest in class, but explained afterwards that they had to change a radiator with just five minutes to go before the qualifying session started.
“His best result of the weekend came in his first race when he finished in 15th place in the 350cc class, but had problems with the bike, so was pleased to get a finish. Darrell failed to finish his other two races due to machine problems and said afterwards that it was great to be back out racing again. Fellow competitors gave him some of their spare parts to get onto the grid, but it seemed like he had all a season’s problems in one meeting with his bike, but is looking forward to the next round of the championship at Castle Combe at the end of April.”
