Africa is not known for its pilots, cars or motorcyclists. However, several world champions, sometimes forgotten, were born in these latitudes. Even though they are rare, their presence cannot be forgotten. Here are the 10 greatest African pilots of all time.
This episode follows the
part five, published yesterday. To find the rules and honorable mentions, find the first part
same here.
No. 2: Gary Hocking (1937-1962)
First place is between two Rhodesians, or rather two Englishmen who have changed nationality. The debate rages, but after much reflection, Jim Redman emerges victorious.
Gary Hocking, the only African 500cc world champion, therefore finished second.
Hocking, who arrived in Europe in 1958, immediately made a strong impression. His experience comes from grasstrack, a discipline widespread in these latitudes. On a
Norton Manx, he finished third in his second outing in the world championship, then sponsored by Reg Dearden.
The next year, MZ offered him a contract in 250cc and there again, Hocking hit the mark. With two victories, the title of world champion is not very far away. MV Agusta, already well in place thanks to the efforts of
John Surtees, detects the potential and bets on Gary in 125cc, 250cc and 350cc. Riding the best machine on the board, nothing can stop him. Except other MVs…
Surtees wins another 350cc title while
carlo ubbiali strengthens its legend in the other two categories. Our good Gary finished second, three times. A bitter failure which leads to a great opportunity: John Surtees, tired, decides to move towards single-seaters and leaves the best handlebar on the grid vacant. Hocking is logically promoted.
No suspense. In addition to the 350cc title, Hocking was crowned 500 1961cc world champion, with seven victories in eight appearances.
Mike Hailwood, constantly second on a lesser machine, can't do anything about it. Newly crowned, he decided to retire at the beginning of 1962, just after the death of his friend
Tom phillis in the Tourist Trophy.
Gary Hocking during the 1961 TT Assen. Photo: ANEFO
Judging single-seaters to be safer, he ironically died that same year at the wheel of a Lotus 24.
The supreme title could have put him in first place but Jim Redman's legacy is much more important. Today,
Gary Hocking is a forgotten champion, and his longevity (four years at the highest level) does not work in his favor.
No. 1: Jim Redman (1931-)
Ultimately, Jimmy inherits the top spot. After winning all the trophies in Rhodesia, the Londoner did the same on the old continent. Motivated, he returned to Europe in 1959 to spread the word.
First on Norton, he showed his presence but did not manage to win his first victory. In 1960, Honda, looking for a replacement for Tom phillis (Hocking's friend) injured, selects Jim for freelance work in 250cc. It's love at first sight. The Japanese brand, recent in the world, finds the driver who will launch a real dynasty.
If he is not the first to win riding a Honda, Redman becomes the first legend of the firm. In 1962, he captured the 250cc and 350cc titles, dominating the rest of the field. He is only beaten by Luigi Taveri in 125cc, also equipped with a winged machine.
A year later, same price. Two new 250cc and 350cc titles are added to his list of achievements. If he freed himself from the 350cc crown in 1964 (winning 100% of the races in which he participated), the Rhodesian must leave the quarter of a liter to Phil Read, on Yamaha. In 125cc, he is once again second behind Taveri.
Jimmy does it again a fourth time in '65! Four consecutive 350cc championship titles, accompanied by two consecutive 250cc titles. Legendary. For the first time in 1966, Redman tried the 500cc with success. He won two races but was seriously injured at Spa-Francorchamps. This large volume convinced him to put an end to his rich career.
45 victories, 98 podiums and 35 fast laps. Certainly, Redman is legitimate in this place in the rankings.
This saga about African pilots is now over. Despite the omnipresence of only two countries in the top 10, we can hope to see the Binder brothers inspire more than one on the continent.
The Honda team in 1963. From left to right: Jim Redman, Luigi Taveri and Kunimitsi Takahashi. Photo: ANEFO
Cover photo: ANEFO
