The World of MotoGP lost one of the bests. Phil Read passed away at 83 in his home in Canterbury, UK, leaving behind a rich legend. He was partially responsible for what the MotoGP is today because of his behavior and driving technique.
Phil was born in 1939 in Luton, and since his early years, his love for bikes and engineering became obvious. In 1955, at 16, he raced on a Velocette KSS and later in local races with BSA. 1960 was the year for his first ManxGP win with a Norton. But 1961 was when he entered the pantheon of TT Isle of Man winners with a Yamaha. Behind him, they were racing some other legends, such as Giacomo Agostini and Mike “The Bike” Hailwood. In total, he wins 8 times the TT. 1964 he gets his first GP250 title with the Yamaha RD65. 1968, perhaps, was the best year in his career, winning 2 titles, the GP125 and GP250, establishing his legend. 1971 is when he gets back the title on the GP250 with the Yamaha. 1973 and 1974 established dominance, winning the GP500 title with the MV Agusta 500. His last year of racing was 1982, after 52 wins in Grand Prix, 7 titles, and millions of fans worldwide.
FIM honored him in 2002 as a Legend.
Phill Read at the office…