The Sunday Ride Classic, an unmissable event stormed by enthusiasts, is back on the weekend of May 18 and 19, 2024 for an edition which already promises to be exceptional. From year to year, the nectar of old motorcycles comes together at the no less legendary Paul Ricard, in the Var, to celebrate our favorite machines. And, good news, the ticket office is open!
We will have time, between now and the fateful date, to look back on the many exhibitors and anniversaries celebrated. Today, let's look at one of the future stars of this edition; the Suzuki RG 500. On this site, we have already had the opportunity to return to its glorious history; notably in an article that you can find by clicking here. To introduce it to novices and enthusiasts alike, why not look at a driver whose story is inseparable from the elegant Japanese woman: Wil Hartog.
Nicknamed the white giant because of his size and the immaculate 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, second subject of this article. Return to a fable punctuated by a moment of grace engraved in… white marble.
Hartog's 500 RG. Legendary machine.
Born in North Holland on May 2, 1948, Wil made his world debut at the age of 22 in 1970. Although he is known for his close link with Suzuki, it was on Yamaha that he began his career, and this in 125cc. This first experience takes place as part of the TT Assen, as a wild card. Unfortunately, an abandonment spoils the party. The following year, the Rimanoc-Yamaha team offered him the opportunity to compete in 500cc at the German Grand Prix, which was not more conclusive. It's not another failed attempt at Assen that will discourage him.
Besides that, Wil is a real star in his native country. He benefits from a wild card every year because he wins everything in the Dutch championship: he is a five-time Dutch 25cc 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 his 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 Riemersma-Suzuki team offers him three wild cards, 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 drivers who also benefited from the excellent Suzuki package. A nice hat-trick and a first podium for the big Wil, measured at 1,80 m. The following year was even more interesting, because he participated in all the world 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 in the wet, and immediately flies to his first career victory. Barry Sheene. The large crowd – as always in Assen – is in a trance.
Wil Hartog in the Netherlands in 1977, carried by the crowd. Photo: ANEFO
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, but who had started on slicks, he seems to be filled with happiness. Thanks to this feat, he became the first Dutchman to win a 500cc race.
He caught the eye of Heron Suzuki and became teammates with Barry Sheene, Pat Hennen and Teuvo Länsivuori. A golden team determined to win the pilot title for a third year in a row. Even if 'King' Kenny Roberts disrupted Barry's hat-trick dream, Hartog had a monstrous season with two new victories in Belgium and on the terrible Imatra track. He finished fourth overall, and did no better in 1978. The year 1979 was notably marked by a new success at Hockenheim accompanied by four other podiums.
Returning to Riemersma Racing in 1980 – still on a Suzuki, he still returned to victory for a fifth and final time in Finland. The decline is beginning to be seen, especially as another Batavian is celebrated in Assen. This is Jack Middleburgh, who, just like his compatriot, is carried by a delirious crowd. Wil is forced to watch the spectacle from 19th 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.
Did you know this fate? To find out more about the Suzuki RG 500, come to Paul Ricard on May 18 and 19, 2024!
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Big smile even at the hospital. Here in 1979. Photo: ANEFO
Cover photo: Robvonk
