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tragic destiny

All world champions make history in their own way. Some, like Valentino Rossi, even go beyond the sport. On the other hand, Gary Hocking and many others are forgotten, because they received too little media coverage and media coverage in their time. This is often the case for the only champions such as Marco Lucchinelli or Kenny Roberts Jr. However, beautiful stories are sometimes hidden far from the spotlight. Today, let's look at the tragic fate of a champion.

Hocking is the story of a genius. Yet another one. If he was born in 1937 in Wales, He grew up in Southern Rhodesia, a former British colony in sub-Saharan Africa. It may seem surprising, but what is now Zimbabwe is home to two great motorcycle champions: Gary Hocking, of course, and Jim Redman, a major figure in the world championship in the 1960s.

It was not until his teenage years that Gary became interested in motorbikes and then in racing. With circuits not common on the streets, young Southern Rhodesians became passionate about grass racing. This later gave him a definite advantage on the track, without a doubt.

 

tragic destiny

Gary Hocking on MV, the winning combination. Photo: ANEFO

 

At just 21, he left Africa to head to the old continent. Heading for England, the real, the tough one. A Manchester trainer named Reg Dearden spotted him and decided to lend him equipment to race at the highest level. He quickly became friends with other riders like George Costain, who took him under his wing. Former winner of the Manx Grand Prix and resident of the Isle of Man, his advice was invaluable.

Along the "mountain", Gary learns. Equipped with the legendary Norton Manx in 350cc and 500cc, He made his world championship debut in 1958., at the Dutch Grand Prix. The result: rare speed, coupled with impressive control. Hocking finished sixth in his first race and climbed onto the podium in his second outing. A crack.

Manufacturers were soon knocking on his door. MZ, an East German industrialist, took an interest in the Southern Rhodesian and decided to give him factory equipment in 250cc. With two victories under his belt, he finished runner-up in the 1959 world championship. The results were brilliant, and Dearden could soon no longer compete with the interested teams. It is MV Agusta who positioned himself best on the Hocking fileOur young hero was equipped with factory machines in 125cc, 350cc and 500cc for the year 1960. The season was historic, but Gary failed to win any of the three titles.

Carlo Ubbiali stole the show in 125cc, while the unshakeable John Surtees won in 350cc as well as in the premier class. All were his MV teammates. Three times vice-world champion in the same year, it's infuriating. A bolt from the blue for the world championship! Surtees, a living legend, decided to stop motorcycle racing to concentrate on Formula 1. Gary Hocking thus became the spearhead of the Italian team for 1961.

 

tragic destiny

Gary Hocking in 1961. Photo: ANEFO

 

Only a fit Mike Hailwood managed to "contain" the official MV Agusta. Gary had an anthology season by gleaning eleven successes en sixteen appearances, 350cc and 500cc combined. Both titles in his pocket, like a big boy. At 24, he established himself as one of the main favourites for the coming seasons. Sometimes, things don't go as planned. During the 1962 Tourist Trophy, the opening round of the championship, his great friend Tom Phillis was killed. The terrible accident took place at Laurel Bank in 350cc. Gary was very affected by the death of the Australian, passionate about TT, what's more.

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 driving a Lotus during testing in South Africa the same year. The latter had never suffered any injuries until then. Fate, what can you expect... Gary Hocking's life was unusual from beginning to end.. From his nationality to his impressive talent to his untimely death, he is not a champion to be denigrated. Yet, the latter remains unknown to the general public, even today.

Did you know his story? Tell me in the comments!

 

What would have happened to Hocking if he had stayed in the World Cup? Photo: ANEFO24

 

Cover photo: ANEFO