2 replies to this topic

[brands77]

It is reported that Tiger Sohwa the Japanese racer who competed in ama superbikes in the 1990s on Kawasakis and Ducatis for team Muzzy and Fast by Ferracci has died.

See here:

https://www.threads....ost/DA2gT3YTsav

https://superbikepla...iro-tiger-sohwa

https://riderfiles.w...hwa-dead-at-59/

As a Japanese rider in the ama championships he was a pioneer. I can't think of another Japanese rider who did the full ama series for multiple years before he did. Apparently he spoke little English, although he is immortalised with his quote: ”I’ve crashed many times and still can go fast.” see https://riderfiles.w...-still-go-fast/

[Risil]

Very sad.

 

My recollection is also that he was the first Japanese national to make a full-time go of it in AMA.

[GregThomas]

He rode at a Manfield NZ WSB round and immediately scored a hit with kiwi spectators.

 

As he spoke very little English Phyllis and Slight had coached him what to say when introduced to the crowd.

 

"Hello, I am Sohwa, I am ****ing Japanese works rider"

 

Went down a treat.  Very nice guy.

Edited by GregThomas, 12 October 2024 - 09:30.