All world champions make history in their own way. Some, like Valentino Rossi , even go beyond the scope of sport. At the opposite, Gary Hocking and many others are forgotten, because they received too little media attention and publicity in their time. This is often the case for unique champions such as Marco Lucchinelli ou
Kenny Roberts Jr.
However, sometimes great stories hide far from the spotlight.
Hocking, it's the story of a genius. One again. Although he was born in 1937 in Wales, he grew up in
Rhodésie du Sud, a former British colony in southern Africa. It may seem surprising, but present-day Zimbabwe has seen the development of two great motorcycle champions:
Gary Hocking, of course, and Jim Redman, a major figure in the world championship in the 1960s.
It wasn't until his teens that Gary became interested in motorcycles, then racing. Since circuits did not run on the streets, young Southern Rhodesians developed a passion for grass racing. This later gave a certain advantage on the track, without a doubt.
At just 21 years old, he left Africa to join the old continent. Direction England, the real one, the tough one. A Manchester preparer named Reg Dearden, spotted him and decided to lend him equipment to race at the highest level. He quickly made friends with other pilots
Deardenas an George Costain, who took him under his wing. Ex-winner of the Manx Grand Prix and resident of the Isle of Man, his advice was invaluable.
This is the story of a young virtuoso. Photo: Joop Van Bilsen / ANEFO
Along the " montagne ”, Gary learns. Equipped with mythicals Norton Manx in 350cc and 500cc, he made his world debut the same year, at the Dutch Grand Prix. Result: rare speed, coupled with impressive control. Hocking finished sixth in his first race and reached the podium in his second outing.
A crack.
It didn't take long for the builders to knock on his door. MZ, an East German industrialist, is interested in the Southern Rhodesian and decides to give him 250cc factory equipment. With two victories under his belt, he finished vice-world champion.
The results were brilliant, and Dearden could soon no longer compete with the interested teams. It was MV Agusta which positioned itself best on the Hocking file. Our young hero will be equipped with factory machines in 125cc, 350cc and 500cc for the year 1960. The season was historic, but Gary was unable to win any of the three titles.
carlo ubbiali
steals the show in 125cc, while the indestructible
John Surtees
wins in 350cc as well as in the premier category. All were his MV teammates. Three times vice-world champion in the same year, it's annoying.
Gary Hocking flying towards his destiny at Assen in 1961. Photo: Joop Van Bilsen / ANEFO
Thunderclap on the world ! Surtees, a living legend, decided to stop motorcycle racing to concentrate on Formula 1. Gary Hocking therefore became the spearhead of the Italian team for 1961.
Only one Mike Hailwood in good shape managed to “contain” the official MV Agusta. He had an anthology season, picking up eleven successes in sixteen appearances, 350cc and 500cc combined. Both titles in your pocket, like a grown-up. At 24, he asserts himself as one of the main favorites for the seasons to come.
Sometimes everything doesn't go as planned. During the Tourist Trophy 1962, opening round of the championship, his great friend Tom phillis kills himself. The terrible accident took place while passing Laurel Bank in a 350cc. Gary was very affected by the death of the Australian, a TT enthusiast to boot.
Hocking still found the strength to win the Senior TT, proof of his determination and incredible courage. Just afterwards, he announced his retirement from sport and left the world championship to Mike “the bike” Hailwood. Back in Southern Rhodesia, he wanted to take up motor racing, which he found much safer.
Ironically, he was killed at the wheel of a Lotus during testing in South Africa the same year. The latter had never experienced the slightest injury until now. Destiny, what do you want...
Gary Hocking's life was unusual from start to finish. From his nationality to his impressive talent to his untimely death, he is not a champion to be denigrated.
However, the latter remains unknown to the general public, even today.
Cover photo: Joop Van Bilsen / ANEFO
