Retrospective: The most underrated driver in history!

You all know at least one driver that only you seem to appreciate at its true value. Like an injustice, no one wants to throw flowers at him when he fully deserves it. The depth of history obscures many champions, as we saw during a previous retrospective. In the case of Kent Andersson, it goes well beyond: he is one of the best drivers in the history of small cars, and yet his name does not make people shudder as much as it should.

You will no doubt have noticed when reading his name, Kent Andersson does not come from the countries most steeped in motorcycle sport. Born in Landvetter, not far from Gothenburg, Kent is a true Swede, who wears the country's colors on his helmet like his compatriot Ronnie Peterson. His passion for motorcycles and racing began in his teens, and it wasn't long before he took part in multiple competitions at the national level at the dawn of the 1960s.

Very comfortable in 250cc, he won the Swedish championship in 1965. It was in 1966 that the first major successes arrived. First international victory in Belgium, then first entries in the 250cc and 350cc world championships, on Husqvarnas modified by him. Immediately, we notice his abilities. Kent is far from ridiculous, and is already not far from the top three. Andersson did not return until 1968, time to pocket a second Swedish title and to race here and there in Europe.

 

For his return, he changes targets. It focuses on a few wildcards in 125cc and 250cc, riding private machines; MZ and Yamaha in quarter liter. The latter succeeded rather well, as evidenced by a good third place in Germany for the opening round. So it progressed, until the activity became serious in 1969. It's the explosion of Kent Andersson on the international scene. In addition to performing in 125cc on Maïco, he makes life difficult for the best 250cc riders in the world. Kent won his first races, and kept the championship in sight all year long. His Yamaha TD2 customer comp is efficient, but not as much as the Benelli of Kelvin Carruthers, crowned champion. Second ahead of an unlucky Pasolini, not too bad for a first full season.

Immediately, his life changes. Faced with the undeniable talent of the Swede, Yamaha offered him a factory handlebar via its Dutch antenna, in both 250cc and 350cc. Andersson had an exemplary campaign, finishing 3e et 4e of the two respective championships, with eight appearances in the top 3 in just eleven outings. Then the sky darkened. Affected by injuries, Kent got through 1971 which he began confidently. Yamaha decided to swap its 350cc seat for a 125cc seat.

But it was only a postponement. During the following season, Andersson was fast and regular again. He had a remarkable 125cc season, but could do nothing against Angel Nieto on a mission. Once again runner-up with three victories and five podiums in nine appearances, he is favorite for the title for 1973. The Swede does not disappoint. He won the first five races of the championship – apart from the Tourist Trophy, which he did not compete in – and scored two other podiums in Sweden and Finland, his Nordic garden. It is titled far ahead Chas Mortimer, and makes history as the first and – only – crowned Swede. Participating again in 350cc, he is not ridiculous and fails in sixth place overall.

 

Remaining champion promises to be difficult. After a season below, Grandson comes back strong and Bruno Kneubühler looks just as dangerous, also on Yamaha. However, no one manages to catch the Swede's wheel. In Austria, Ángel tries to overtake on the last lap but falls. Andersson has the psychological advantage. In fact, he never left the top 3, winning five races including a magnificent hat-trick in Sweden, on the Anderstorp track.. He dazzles the motorcycle world and defies the competition; once again, he is titled ahead of his pursuers.

At the age of 33 in 1975, he was only entered in 125cc, but this time, the step is too high. Despite a fierce battle, the Morbidelli pilots Paolo Pileri et Pier paolo bianchi are significantly above. 3rd in the championship, he withdrew from the competition and accepted the proposal from his employer, who offered him a place in the R&D department. He contributed massively to the development of the 350cc three-cylinder Yamaha brought to the firmament by Katayama a few years later. As a great enthusiast, he never stopped running. He enjoyed himself in the Swedish championship, then in classic exhibitions until his death in 2006, at only 64 years old.

Too often forgotten when we talk about the greats, Kent Andersson deserves a tribute. Legend in his country but also for the tuning fork firm, history remembers this complete pilot, which does not count seven abandonments in career, against 53 podiums et 17 victories.

Did you know this historical figure? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Andersson in 1973, ANEFO