Retro: World champion on a private motorcycle?

World champion on a private machine. Few have done so throughout history. Ekerold, a true piloting genius, is of this caste. Born in 1946 in Johannesburg, he is one of the rare African drivers to have established himself in a lasting manner, moreover, on a private machine. Now forgotten, his passionate profile is atypical, witness to a bygone era. A look back at the story of a great.

During his youth, Jonathan was attracted to automobiles. A passion well helped by his uncle, a renowned pilot. At 21, he turned to two-wheelers. This may seem late to more recent observers, but it was not so rare at that time. Immediately, it's your favorite ; “Jon” is stung. His passion for motorcycles is matched only by his fervor for mechanics. Ekerold prefers to “get your hands in” rather than watch it happen, if you will. Equipped with good technical knowledge, he prepares his machines alone to compete in races at the national level.

It didn't take long for his innate talent to reveal itself. Entered in an international race in 1972, he manages to defeat the young Barry Sheene, already in the world. This greatly helps to climb the ladder, but does not provide sponsors. Jon decides to participate in the 350 1975cc world championship, for two rounds. It should be noted that the latter moves by its own means and carries out the maintenance and repair of his Yamaha himself. A trait already noticed during this period, but ultimately quite common in the middle and bottom of the table.

 

 

The thing is, Jon is not aiming for the places of honor. From his first entry in Austria, he crossed the line in second position behind Hideo Kanaya. The South African sees things big for 1976, with an entry in 250cc, 350cc as well as 500cc, the premier category. In difficulty, he chose to forget the 500cc in 1977. The first success came at the right time, during the French Grand Prix in the 250cc category. It must be remembered that our thief manages almost alone, helped only by a few preparers who have no direct relationship with the factory.

Jon is loyal to Yamaha. Thus, the years follow one another and are similar. Overall, it performs well but cannot compete with the official machines. The end of the 1970s marked the decline of the “Continental Circus” period, so beloved by fans. The sport is becoming more and more professional, but remains open for enthusiasts like Ekerold. It was not until the mid-1980s and the influence of Kenny roberts, among other things, to see the sport change radically.

 

 

Back to Jonathan. In 1980, he left his Yamahas for… Bimota-Yamaha 350cc. Bimota, an Italian manufacturer, had the technology to integrate 250cc and 350cc engines. Jon, still private, is riding wonderfully at the start of the year. A new victory in France, followed by success at Assen gives him the status of favorite. The legendary Anton Mang, equipped with an official Kawasaki 350cc, is not giving up. Arriving at the Nürburgring, the two men are perfectly equal. Who, David or Goliath, will be titled?

The answer does not take long to arrive. Jon is the author of a great start, literally dropping his opponents, Mang included. On fire, he beats the previous lap record by more than fourteen seconds (!), even beating Kenny Roberts' qualifying time in the 500cc. Simply on another planet. Jon therefore becomes the first privateer to seize the 350cc, by winning in front of the official Anton Mang, on his land; an absolutely staggering feat. Aware of its superiority, the Sud-AF' put its title back on the line in 1981.

This time, Mang was on his guard: Ekerold could do nothing in the face of the tornado from across the Rhine. A good place as vice-world champion still beckons to him. The following two seasons are less joyful. Passed to Cagiva in 500cc, the mayonnaise does not takes. After nine years at the highest level, Jon is hanging up his leathers to take over a Yamaha dealership in his native country. A well-deserved retirement for a champion passionate about his entire sport. Passed by the Tourist Trophy and the Ulster Grand Prix, the latter could not stop racing. Proof that life also knows how to reward those who dedicate their lives to a cause, regardless of its nature.

Do you have any memories of this pilot? Tell us in the comments!