Famed Norton 'Hogslayer' drag bike to be recommissioned following 20 years on display

Honouring the huge impact US rider Tom ‘TC’ Christenson, and engineer and tuner John Gregory, made on the sport of drag racing, a group of seasoned racing aficionados are hoping to bring the mighty Norton ‘Hogslayer’ back to life and once again see it roar down the quarter-mile strip.

The nitro-burning Norton machine rose to fame in the 1970s, powering Christenson to a string of world titles and cementing its place in racing folklore.

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For the past 20 years, the dragster has existed as a display piece at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull. However, after undergoing a substantial recommission, the twin-engined monster is planned to feature at Dragstalgia at Santa Pod on July 5-7.

The event is a weekend-long celebration of vintage straightline racers, featuring cars, bikes and hotrods from history. You’ll also find jet cars, and a run what ya brung session on the strip open to pre-1980s vehicles only.

When Museum Director James Hewing received the request to restore the bike, he not only agreed, but gave the idea his full backing, stating: “If you can get it running again and ridden, that would be a real bonus!”

With the bike sitting stationary since 2004, a considerable amount of work will be needed to get it running. Plans are now in place to move the bike to Hertfordshire, in order to get it recommissioned.

Following Christenson’s passing in 2023, and with Gregory recently celebrating his 90th birthday, the timing is especially pertinent for the team, and they hope to create a fitting tribute to both Christenson and Gregory for their years of contribution to the sport.

If you want to catch the action for yourself, tickets are available from just £25 for a single day’s admission. Visit santapod.co.uk for booking information.