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Phil Read

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Phil Read

Phil Read

UK

UK
Born: 1-Jan-39

Born January 1939, Read was a fearsome competitor that made his rivals shiver in their boots along with the unmistakable "3 horns" design on his helmet. In 1961 Read made his debut to the World GP on a Norton, but then transferred to Yamaha from the Japan GP in 1963. In his second year with the team in 1964 on a RD56, he managed five wins successed in taking the championship throne. This was the first world title for both Read and Yamaha.

"I am really happy but completely wiped out" said Read. The goal of winning the World Championship requires that much effort. Read's success was supported by the amalgamation of the development of new up-and-coming riders and continuing improvements in Yamaha's technology. During his time at Yamaha, Read took four world titles in the 250cc class in 1964, '65, '68 and '71, and one world title in the 125cc class, secured in 1968. However, after this Read made the surprise move to MV Agusta after so much success with Yamaha. From 1973, Read took two more world titles by beating Jarno Saarinen, Hideo Kanaya and Giacomo Agostini (who moved to Yamaha from MV Agusta) of Yamaha, which had just returned to the GP as a factory team.

Competing in 1967

Competing in 1967

Racing career

YearClassResult & Pole positionMachine
1963 250cc 10th PP: 0 1st: 0 2nd: 0 3rd: 1 RD56
1964 250cc Champion PP: 0 1st: 5 2nd: 1 3rd: 1 RD56
1964 125cc 8th PP: 0 1st: 0 2nd: 1 3rd: 0 RA97
1965 250cc Champion PP: 0 1st: 7 2nd: 2 3rd: 0 RD56 / RD05
1965 125cc 10th PP: 0 1st: 1 2nd: 0 3rd: 0 RA97
1966 350cc 8th PP: 0 1st: 1 2nd: 0 3rd: 0 RD05
1966 250cc 2nd PP: 0 1st: 0 2nd: 5 3rd: 1 RD05
1966 125cc 4th PP: 0 1st: 1 2nd: 1 3rd: 3 RA97
1967 250cc 2nd PP: 0 1st: 4 2nd: 4 3rd: 0 RD05A
1967 125cc 2nd PP: 0 1st: 2 2nd: 4 3rd: 0 RA31
1968 250cc Champion PP: 0 1st: 5 2nd: 2 3rd: 0 RD05A
1968 125cc Champion PP: 0 1st: 6 2nd: 2 3rd: 0 RA31A
1971 250cc Champion PP: 0 1st: 3 2nd: 1 3rd: 1 TD-2

*Results for years with a Yamaha factory team, riding a Yamaha factory machine or ranked 5th or higher riding a Yamaha production racer (World GP, World F750)

Gallery

  • Italy GP in 1967

    Italy GP in 1967

  • Tourist Trophy in 1967(Isle of Man)

    Tourist Trophy in 1967(Isle of Man)

  • The Netherlands GP in 1968

    The Netherlands GP in 1968

  • West German GP in 1966

    West German GP in 1966

  • France GP in 1967

    France GP in 1967

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