For over three decades the epicentre of cutting-edge motorcycle engine design was the Mechanical Engineering Department at Queen’s University, Belfast, Co Antrim under the leadership of Professor Gordon Blair. There was also a famous Ulster GP win in 1971 against the works Yamaha team using a Yamaha engine, more of that later.
Gordon Purves Blair, born in Larne Co Antrim in 1937, studied Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University in Belfast. He obtained a BSc degree in 1959, a PhD in 1962, and a DSc in 1978. After completing his PhD, Blair moved to the US, where he served as Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico State University for two years. He returned to Queen’s University in 1964, where he remained until his early retirement in 1996.
Gordon Purves Blair rose through the ranks at Queen’s University, holding positions as Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Department Head, Dean of Engineering, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Blair authored over 100 technical papers, three research textbooks, and edited three research compilations. He held nine patents and was honoured with engineering fellowships, including from the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 1995, he received a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) award in recognition of his contributions.
Gordon Blair’s engine research in the late 1960s resulted in computer simulation programs that were used to design engines with enhanced power and provide theoretical and design insights, giving the Queen’s University team an edge over even the largest factory motorcycle teams on the road-racing circuit. This effort paid off in 1969 when Brian Steenson, riding a Q.U.B. 4-stroke bike, finished second to the legendary Giacomo Agostini at the Ulster GP in Dundrod. Despite his achievements with 4-stroke engines, Gordon Blair shifted his focus to designing and developing powerful 2-stroke engines, which proved to be very successful.
During the early 1970s, Queens University rider Ray McCullough, known as “The Dromara Destroyer,” secured 17 race wins while riding the Q.U.B. 500 motorcycle developed and built at the university. McCullough then made history in 1971 by riding a Q.U.B. 250cc, its engine was privately prepared in the workshop and test cells at the University, to comfortably defeat the works machines of world champions Phil Read, Jarno Saarinen, and Dieter Braun at the Ulster Grand Prix held in Dundrod.
Q.U.B. 500 specifications:, Engine: single-cylinder 2-stroke, Capacity: 500 cc, Frame (250cc & 500cc): Colin Seeley design, Gearbox: 5-speed, Ignition: Motoplat, Power: 60 – 70 hp, Width: 16 inches
After assuming the position of Dean of Engineering at Queen’s in 1984, Professor Blair passed on the racing duties to his colleagues. These colleagues continued to achieve notable victories in racing throughout the early 2000s. Professor Blair eventually retired from his position as Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University in 1996. He then collaborated with Optimum Power Technology, a US company, to commercialize the engine design software that he had spent thirty years researching with his Queen’s colleagues.
In addition to this work, Professor Blair decided to explore an unfamiliar area of engine design: 4-stroke engine valve trains. He founded Prof Blair & Associates in partnership with Dr. Charles D. McCartan of Queen’s University Belfast and Hans Hermann (‘the cam design genius’) of Hans Hermann Engineering in Phoenix, Arizona. As Hans Hermann an Associate of Prof Blair & Associates put it so well, “Professor, there is a little bit of you in engines winning races all over the world”
Gordon Blair died on October 21st 2010 after battling cancer for several years.
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Information sources
Billy Reid
Blue Bullitt
Design and Simulation of Four-Stroke Engines – G.P. Blair
Duke Video
Life at the Limit – G.P. Blair & W.M. Cahoon
Love Road Races
Paul McClean
Prof Blair & Associates
R. Welch (1888)
Society of Automotive Engineers
Steve Croft
Tappet Gap
The Dromara Destroyer – Ray McCullough
The Newsletter
The Yorkshire Ferret
Tony Portess
Trevor Amos
William Boyd
