Although discreet these days, the English were once at the top of the motorcycle Grand Prix. It was the Anglo-Italian rivalry of the 1950s that launched the world championship in the most beautiful way, well before any media coverage. In 70 years, the country has marked the history of sport in the most beautiful way. Currently, only Italy and Spain are doing better in terms of number of titles. Here we are again with a brand new top 10! It’s time for the rankings.
This episode follows the
first part, which explained the selection criteria.
N ° 10: John Hartle
Hartle is without a doubt one of the most underrated drivers in history. The native of Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, was one of the main entertainers of the world championship for a decade, from 1956 to 1967. In this day and age, lasting that long is an achievement in itself.
Like many of his compatriots, John excelled on road circuits, which is why he regularly won the
Isle of Man Tourist Trophy or during
Ulster Grand Prix. On the other hand, he was not one of those formidable specialists only on this type of track.
Consecutively on
Norton, MV Agusta et
Gilera, he scored major victories at Assen and Spa Francorchamps. He came close to the title of world champion without ever achieving it several times, without success.
500 1958cc world vice-champion behind Surtees, and four times third (!) in 1956, 1960, 1963 and 1967 he was also a "magnificent loser", which is why he cannot appear higher in the rankings. Up front, everyone is world champion at least once.
Very close to his native village, he carried the local coat of arms with him everywhere (even on his helmet!) before tragically disappearing in 1968, during a local race. The trophy awarded to the winner of the category Superstock of the TT bears his name; A great tribute to a great of this sport.
The jovial John Hartle, here in Assen in 1963. Photo: ANEFO
N ° 9: Bill Lomas
Epic Moto Guzzi is too often forgotten in history. One man carried the mark to the top: Bill Lomas. Born in 1928, he made his world debut at the age of 22, in the 350cc category.
It is also this displacement that he favored throughout his career, which is why he cannot climb higher in the ranking, although he has a success in the premier category (1955 Ulster Grand Prix).
He was recruited by the Italian team following decent results, acquired with AJS and MV Agusta. Immediately, the situation turns to his advantage. Bill is 350 1955cc world champion, far ahead of his teammate Dickie Dale.
In 1956, he once again freed himself from the 350cc title, being as dominant as before. These two consecutive titles are remarkable, and are the reason why Lomas sits in ninth place in the rankings.
Bill withdrew from the world championship in 1957, probably to devote himself to his favorite discipline, motorcycle trials. English disappeared in 2007,
victim of a heart attack.
That's all for this episode! See you tomorrow, same time, to discover the places n°8 and n°7 of the rank !
The Moto Guzzi epic deserves an article. Here, the streamlined machine, recognizable at first glance, and its pilots. From left to right: Duilio Agostini (no relation to Giacomo), Ken Kavanagh and Bill Lomas. Photo: Zehringer Raymond Albert
Cover picture : ANEFO
