Retro: Wil Hartog, the white giant

Nicknamed the White Giant due to his size and the pristine color of his suit, Wil Hartog is a pilot who marked his era. Too often forgotten, it was nevertheless popular in the same way as its legendary machine, the RG 500. A look back at a story punctuated by a moment of grace engraved in stone. White !

Born in North Holland on May 2, 1948, Wil made his world debut at the age of 22. Although he is known for his link with Suzuki, it was on Yamaha that he began his career, in 125cc. This first experience took place as part of the TT Assen, as a wildcard.

Until recently, it was not uncommon to see drivers start – and sometimes perform – as wildcards in their respective countries. Suzuka was the perfect example, but Assen was also the scene of these experiments.

Unfortunately, an abandonment spoiled the party. The following year, the team Rimanoc offered him the opportunity to compete in 500cc at the German Grand Prix, which was not more conclusive. It wasn't another failed attempt at Assen that was going to discourage him, however.

Besides that, Wil was a real star in his native country. He benefited from a wild card every year because he won everything in the Dutch championship: he is a five-time Dutch 250cc champion, or even a quadruple 500cc national champion, among others.

It is also in the most prestigious of categories that he expresses himself best. The 500cc is its domain. At Assen in 1975, he finished fourth and impressed the large crowd. It was not until 1976 that he was invited to run more than one round per year. The team Riemersma offers him three wildcards, including one at Assen.

He didn't need more. In perfect harmony with his RG 500, he finished third in the race behind Barry Sheene et Pat Hennen, two Suzuki riders. A nice hat-trick and a first podium for the great Wil, measured at 1,80.

The following year was even more interesting, because he participated in all the races. After a mixed start to the season, comes the Dutch round. The one that Wil Hartog is patiently waiting for. He hits the mark, and immediately flies to his first career victory. The crowd, large as always in Assen, is in a trance.

The white giant exults. Arrival is a timeless moment, perfectly unique. Carried by his people and warmly congratulated by his good friend Barry Sheene, also on the podium, he seems to be filled with happiness. Thanks to this feat, he became the first Dutchman to win a 500cc race.

It catches the eye of Heron Suzuki and becomes the teammate of Barry Sheene, Pat Hennen et Teuvo Länsivuori. A golden team determined to win the pilot title for a third year in a row.

Even if " King » Kenny Roberts comes to disrupt Sheene's hat-trick dream, Hartog has a monstrous season with two new victories in Belgium and on the terrible track ofImatra. He finished fourth overall, which would also be his place the following year. 1979 was notably marked by a new success at Hockenheim accompanied by four other podiums.

Returned to Riemersma Racing in 1980, he still returned to victory for a fifth and final time in Finland. The decline is beginning to be felt, especially as another Batavian is famous in Assen. It is Jack Middleburgh, who, like his compatriot, is lifted up by a delirious crowd. Wil is forced to watch the spectacle from nineteenth place, after experiencing a major problem in the race.

His last appearance in Grands Prix was timid, since it was a retirement in England the following year. The white giant's career was not long, but marked by five victories and twelve podiums, which is remarkable. A friendly pilot with a big smile, he left his mark on a whole generation of observers and fascinated many Dutch people. Moreover, he performed a few laps on “the cathedral” in 2017 alongside Freddie Sheene, Barry’s son. A well-deserved honor for someone who turned an entire country upside down on June 25, 1977.

 

Cover photo: Koen Suyk / ANEFO