Alan Duffus began his racing career in 1966. Working as an apprentice at the time and only earning £3.00 per week meant lots of part-time jobs and building his own racing bike from cheap second-hand parts. However, with perseverance and help from his good friends Ian Robertson and Ronnie Hare, the dream was realised and his first race bike, a Triumph Norton was born.

With only 4 races per year in Scotland to compete in (Gask, Crimond and Beveridge Park), progress was difficult but lap times were good! Alan's first race was at Gask, outside Perth, working with his race mechanic, Ian Robertson, racing against Bob Steele, Geordie Buchan, Dave (Blondie) Reid and Dennis Gallagher. A 1000cc heat a Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy in 1969/70 was the first of his many wins in Scotland which then led to the travel of circuits south of the border where more wins and fastest laps were recorded.

Following his success, then followed sponsorship and his first bikes that were not home built. Alan's main sponsors during his racing career were Bob Stark, Dave Mitchell, Jim Oliver, Tom Kinnaird, and Tom King (Gartwhinzean Hotel). His first sponsored bike was an ex Mick Grant, Jim Lea Commando and his most memorable race was winning the North of England championship at Croft Autodrome on Jim Oliver's TZ350, prepared by Bruce Hall and Dave Croy.

Throughout the 70s, Alan took numerous race wins and lap records plus 5 Scottish championships, taking his first championship win in 1972, as well as other prestegious titles throughout Britain, racing at circuits including Knockhill, East Fortune, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park, Brands Hatch, Mallory Park as well as the Isle of Man TT and GP. "My favourite circuits were Oulton Park and Cadwell Park. I really enjoyed racing there as they are fast and flowing plus I had a lot of success at these circuits". Alan won championships in almost every category, from 200cc single-cylinder 2 strokes, to four cylinder 1000cc Superbikes and feels very honoured that Knockhill Racing Circuit's first corner the Duffus Dip, was named after him.

"The competition was tough because it was the golden era in British road racing. Imagine standing on the grid waiting for the flag to drop knowing that the opposition included Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene, Mick Grant, Steve Parrish, Tony Jefferies, Phil Haslam, Dave Potter, John Cooper, Bill Simpson, Jock Findlay and Bob Steele. It was never going to be easy but it was good fun and good racing". When asked who his greatest rival was on the track was, he took no time in replying "Jock Findlay'.

Following a crash at the 1976 Isle of Man TT, the decision was made (whilst lying in hospital) to open Alan Duffus Motorcycles. Early in 1977 that dream became a reality and the Yamaha franchise secured shortly after. The rest they say is history.

Having retired at the end of the 1979 season, Alan was invited by Mick Grant to return to the track, some 34 years later, to race in the South African Classic TT. His 1974 Yamaha TZ750 was brought out of retirement to race once again alongside Bill Simpson. He returned with the winner's trophy having won the Race of Champions and the 70s class of the SA classic TT. This fabulous machine is always on show in the dealership for you to see - unless of course its on it is on route to or from another race!

Alan has always greatly valued the sponsorship he received throughout his racing career. Over the years, he has gone on to sponsor many riders including Dougie Taylor, Iain Duffus, Howard Selby, Mike & Rory Skinner, Bob Grant, Callum Ramsay, Taylor McKenzie and Tarran McKenzie who between them won numerous Scottish, British and European titles as well as Isle of Man TTs. He has also helped a great number of local riders and continues to do so to this day.