Pat Hennen. A surname that probably doesn't mean anything to you, and that's quite normal. Forgotten today, the American marked the 500cc world championship of the 1970s. A glorified era, considered the golden age of the “Continental Circus”. Yet Pat's story says quite the opposite. Talented and a pioneer, everything led us to believe that he would become the standard of an entire country, like Kenny roberts. A look back at a poignant story.
The sad epic begins in Uncle Sam's country. Born in Arizona, the land is first of all his favorite terrain. At the beginning of the 1970s, at the age of seventeen, he was already hitting the screen. The possibility of changing to asphalt does not take long to present itself. In 1974, he joined the AMA championship convinced that his experience on dirt would help him reach the top. He's not mistaken. The motorcycle world in the United States became aware of the young man's potential.
If the nation dominated part of the history of Grand Prix, it took a relatively long time to start. At the time of our story, only a select few managed to climb onto a world podium. Precisely: Ronald Grant, one of these precursors, comes to the aid of young Pat. Hennen is gradually getting closer to an official handlebar in the world championship. During the 200 Daytona 1976, he impressed the paddock by standing up to the biggest names. It was during this year that he exploded into the eyes of the general public. Suzuki, who had been following the prodigy for a while, hired him alongside Barry Sheene and Teuvo Länsivuori.
Barry Sheene's Suzuki RG500 used in 1977. Reference machine for all the best, including Pat Hennen. Photo: Rikita
A truly dream team. On the podium at Assen, his first success did not take long. In Finland, Pat definitely enters the history books. Before Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson and other Kevin Schwantz, he becomes the first American to win a World Grand Prix, 500cc category please.
The year 1977 is approached in the most serene way. But internally, things are not going as planned. Barry Sheene, star of the team, does not look favorably on the convincing results of the American. As a reminder, the British side of Suzuki plays a big role in the competition department.
Hennen knew he had the best equipment, but not for how long. Author of another victory in England and four other podiums, he once again failed in third place in the championship. A great result, discreet in comparison to that of Sheene, titled for the second year in a row.
However, the tide turned in 1978. The icing on the cake: another American, Kenny Roberts, appears. The pressure doubles on Hennen's shoulders, who is only progressing. He is the only one who can contain the rookie at the start of the season. Only three points separate them before the Dutch Grand Prix, oh so important handle.
Pat Hennen in front of Barry Sheene. Not the most compatible duo, but very effective.
However, Pat does not go there. Nor to others for that matter. Suzuki needed to be represented in Britain, possibly at the Tourist Trophy. Suzuki GB manager Maurice Knight couldn't convince Barry Sheene to start. “Bazza” categorically refused for obvious security reasons.
Hennen had, however, signed a clause in his contract at the start of the season, stipulating that he would not start the legendary event. A little before Christmas, Knight makes a phone call to the American. The manager had promised additional equipment, but it could not arrive on time... unless Pat decided to change his mind about the Tourist Trophy. Thus, he would benefit from a bonus.
Blackmail, pure and simple. Hennen, strongly influenced, thus participated in the TT. While he leads the event, he achieves the first lap under twenty minutes in history. At Bishopscourt, he hits a curb at 257 km/h. The result is a terrible accident from which he emerges alive, this is the main. Alive yes, but in a bad state. The unfortunate man suffered brain damage as well as multiple injuries. The doctors are categorical: he must stop his career. Never again did Hennen drive at the highest level, he who was promised a brilliant future.
Kenny Roberts won his first title in front of Barry Sheene. The latter is not completely blank in history, moreover. The early retirement of his sacrificed ex-teammate did not seem to affect him that much to remain polite. History will remember this magnificent driver, who opened the way for the Americans in the Grand Prix. Not even bitter, Pat Hennen recognizes today that nothing needs to change in his career. High class.
Did you know about this incredible destiny? Tell us in the comments!
Kenny Roberts said he was the only driver he feared in the 1978 season.
