August 2020 -- Vol 4 -- Issue 8 August 2020 | Page 211

On The Pegs VOL. 4 ISSUE 8 - August 2020 211
I managed to explain the system and that the centrifugal power resulted in the engine
drive. Later that night, one of the German technicians phoned me at the hotel
asking me to wrap up my engine with a solid protection in case the power plant
would explode. “At least, do have a sack around it,” he said. Some genius came to
the conclusion that my engine was dangerous and would have caused havoc when
parts started to hit the poor spectators. Well, I was allowed to start the race and all
the bystanders survived! Sadly, I broke down and had to retire when the chain collapsed.”
In the United States things were burning hot for Husqvarna. One great enduro
victory would be followed by a big desert win. Not only was the brand attracted by
top U.S. riders such as Malcolm Smith, JN Roberts, John Penton and Bud Ekins, but
the famous film star Steve McQueen was also a true Husqvarna fan. He was often
seen in the Mojave Desert, riding shotgun with his buddies Ekins and Swede Rolf
Tibblin. The treble Swedish world champion was by now settled in the U.S. and
lived in California. In San Diego, Tibblin set up a training centre for bike buffs. This