Scottish motorsport legend Alan Duffus has been cleared of riding a motorbike at Knockhill racing circuit while disqualified.
Duffus, 68, banned from driving for 10 years in 2009, was riding the bike at “less than walking speed” through a busy crowd within the arena at last year’s British Superbike Championship meeting.
He was spotted by two motorcycle police officers and later charged.
However, after a two-day trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, the charge of driving while disqualified was found not proven.
He was found guilty of a second charge of driving without insurance in a public place.
The first corner at Knockhill was formerly known as “Duffus Dip” in recognition of the five times Scottish motorcycle racing champion.
Duffus, of Main Street, Kinnesswood, denied that on June 29 last year at Knockhill Racing Circuit, he used a motorcycle without insurance and drove while disqualified.
Duffus, who owns a motorcycle dealership in Kirkcaldy, had been asked by the Knockhill management for one of his famous racing bikes from the 1970s to be displayed to mark the track’s 40th anniversary.
He also put on display a newly released Yamaha model, and it was when he was riding this bike about 100 feet within the circuit that he was spotted by police.
The officers did not approach or warn him but charged him at his business more than a week later.
Duffus said: “I was under the impression Knockhill is private. This was inside Knockhill and that’s the way it’s always operated for 40 years.”
He said he had been asked by management to display and move the bikes that day.
“I was working for Knockhill and I presumed it would be covered by their insurance.”
Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia said there had been evidence he was seen “weaving” through the public.
Duffus responded: “No, I was following behind them” and said he was moving at “less than walking speed”.
Sheriff Charles Macnair said: “Although you were driving slowly, accidents can happen. You must have known as a professional involved in motor vehicles that you needed insurance.”
He imposed a fine of £300.