Jim Redman, that's a legendary name. Even though he is widely recognized and by no means forgotten, his track record is absolutely astounding and deserves to be remembered. Together, let's study the story of one of the architects of the Honda Grand Prix dynasty.
Born in the British capital in 1931, Jim Redman is a brilliant student. But once his father died, he decided to go into exile in Africa at the dawn of his twenties, and more precisely, in Rhodesia. It was a former British colony (which became the Republic of Zimbabwe in 1979-1980), which welcomed a number of expatriates from the old continent.
He meets there John love, a local pilot. The two became friends, and a passion for motorcycle racing was born at that moment. The two set up a company dedicated to the repair and sale of two-wheelers. The adventure begins.
From then on, Redman helped prepare the single-seaters of his friend John, who was beginning a new epic on four wheels.. In exchange, he let him ride his old motorcycles with his old equipment. One thing led to another, Redman gained experience and became one of the best riders in the country, particularly in the 350cc category. Then, in 1957, he set off to conquer the South African championship on Norton Manx. Everyone is in shock. Obviously the man is talented, but the African circuits are too small for that much talent.
Redman's Honda RC171 used in 1962. Photo: Rikita
He therefore decides to return to his native lands, where he finds much fiercer competition. During his outing at the Easter meeting at Brands Hatch, he shared the track with
Geoff Duke, but also a young person,
Mike Hailwood. In the middle of all these beautiful people, Jim finishes second, but decides to go back to Rhodesia... only to return some time later, this time for good.
In 1958, he stormed the world championship hoping to attract the attention of the team MZ in 125cc and 250cc. On Norton, he competed in a few wildcard races and was noticed by a completely different manufacturer:
Honda. The winged firm has just arrived, and has not yet enjoyed success. In 1960, the titular pilot and cornerstone of the project, Tom phillis, is hurt. This is the beginning of a great love story.
In 125cc as in 250cc, he reveals himself behind the handlebars of Japanese machines. In an era totally dominated by MV Agusta, it is difficult to exist but nevertheless, he is not ridiculous in 500cc where he still rides his famous Norton. Thanks to good results, he abandoned the most prestigious category to devote himself entirely to the babies of Soichiro Honda.
In 1961, Hondas became more and more efficient. Phillis, back on his feet, won in Spain in 125cc, while
carlo ubbiali is no longer there to terrorize the lower classes. Hailwood, too, stands out behind the Japanese. Redman is in the mix, and he even takes two quarter-litre victories. From then on, we see him as a future great. In 1962, there was an explosion. He races in three categories simultaneously, having added the 350cc to his program, each time for the Honda factory. If he struggles against
Luigi Taveri in 125cc, he won the 250cc and 350cc titles hands down. We must realize the feat: Redman came close to being crowned three times in one season.
Redman at Assen in 1964, alongside Cees van Dongen. Photo: ANEFO
Jim becomes one of the monsters of the championship, quite simply. He even allowed himself to beat Mike “The Bike” in 350cc during the 1963 season. Although he was also titled in 250cc then in 350cc in 1964 (by winning all the races of the season), this 125cc crown resisted him. Moreover, at Assen, he became the first to win three races on the same day. At the end of the season, he is one of the best riders to have touched a motorcycle in history, that's for sure. His skills as a focuser make him a formidable opponent.
He won yet another 350cc title in 1965, but came up against the Yamaha riders, a rival Japanese manufacturer. For the 1966 financial year, he set himself a new challenge: to seek the crown in 500cc, the only category in which he had not won. The new Honda four-cylinder is sharp and Redman makes history at Hockenheim. He triumphs over
Giacomo Agostini, and it is the first victory of a non-European manufacturer in 500cc, as well as the first defeat of a MV Agusta on a regular basis since 1957! This day marks a turning point in motorcycle sport. Suzuki and Honda won all the races of the day (except the sidecars), a first for the Japanese archipelago.
In Assen, the Rhodesian does it again. He beats Agostini again, while Hailwood falls. Jim is definitely in the title race. But in Belgium, fate decides otherwise. Under the Walloon downpours, Jim fell on the first lap and broke his arm. This injury was to eclipse him from the paddocks for some time, but in reality, Jim Redman never rested his wheels on a world track. He decided to retire and return to Rhodesia to live happily ever after.
It's hard to blame him for anything. Redman had won everything. We are in the presence of a great man, titled six times, and winner of races in four different categories (45 total). MotoGP Legend legitimate, he is currently one of the oldest world champions still alive, at 91 years old. It's hard to imagine Honda without it; the winged brand would undoubtedly not have the same track record and above all, the same aura.
Did you know the story of Jim Redman? Tell us in the comments!
Of course, Redman was invited to Motegi in 2019, when Márquez won the 25th constructor's title for Honda. Photo: Box Repsol
Cover photo: ANEFO
