Yamaha has been slow to activate its cards in the transfer market this season. Certainly, Toprak Razgatlioglu is now signed to Pramac Racing, but I remain convinced that more would be needed to help Fabio Quartararo perform: after all, there is nothing to indicate that the Turk will succeed in the transition, and for a project in full boom, Alex Rins and Jack Miller are a notch below, at this stage of their careers. Precisely, if a driver like Hideo Kanaya could join them, that would solve all their problems! Here is the story of an important man for the tuning fork company.
Hideo was born in Kobe in 1945. At the age of 20, he began making a name for himself as a Kawasaki rider in Japan, eventually earning his first wild card in the World Championship at Suzuka, like many of his compatriots. These spontaneous rounds were the perfect opportunity to get noticed. In the 125cc category, he achieved the feat of finishing third behind some big namesHis rise as a Kawasaki rider continued to the 250cc national title in 1969. Yamaha, expanding considerably on the circuits, poached Hideo for testing.
Kanaya is too often forgotten in history.
It was only from 1972 that the tuning fork firm brought its luxury joker to European soil. Kanaya has no experience of the winding roads of the Old Continent, but must adapt, and quickly.Unfortunately, the first round of the season is scheduled for the Nürburgring, one of the most technical circuits in the world.
To everyone's surprise, Kanaya won in the 250cc class, riding a very poorly prepared machine. The phenomenon is launchedThe Japanese rider competed in other races during this season, but never in full championships: Yamaha kept him and often sent him to the country for testing, his main function. Given his excellent performances in the 250cc and 350cc classes, the brand gave him the opportunity to express himself again in 1973.
Jarno Saarinen, supported by Kanaya, swept the board on the YZR250 OW17 in 250cc, but also in 500cc. Yamaha had evolved considerably in the meantime, but, unfortunately, the death of the Finnish prodigy at Monza caused the firm to withdraw for this year. Hideo, who was having an exceptional year – albeit behind his legendary teammate – was therefore sent back to Japan..
The plan was simple: come back stronger with Kanaya, but also Agostini, recently hired from MV Agusta. Unfortunately, our man of the day suffered a serious injury at the Daytona 200, traditionally held before the start of the season. This forced him to miss the entire 1974 financial year.. Then, two paths exist. To be reborn or to disappear. Hideo chooses the first option.
Hideo Kanaya in 1973.
In 1975, he established himself as one of the best drivers in the world. At Paul Ricard, he and his teammate Agostini fly ahead of everyone elseThe battle was undecided until the end, but fate chose the Italian for half a second. At the next meeting in Austria, the roles were reversed. Kanaya takes the lead in the race when Ago has to retire with engine problems.
That day, Hideo became the first Japanese to triumph in 500cc Grand Prix, after freeing himself from the 350cc machine earlier in the day. Two more good results followed before being brought back, once again, to develop the machines. In just four races, Hideo scored enough points to finish third in the championship. A real feat. The pilot title still comes home thanks to "King Ago".
This year marked a turning point. He broke the lap record at the Suzuka circuit in the Japanese championship and won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Unfortunately, later, we no longer see Kanaya on the world circuitAt only 31 years old, Yamaha relegated him to trials and less important events.
Despite everything, we are dealing here with one of the greatest talents of the 1970s. A Japanese pioneer and author of an astonishing comeback after an injury, We don't talk enough about Kayana and its importance to Yamaha in their quest for the 500cc titleToday we pay tribute to him: Hideo passed away in 2013, aged 68.
A very tall man.
