131 replies to this topic

[slippery sam]

Does anyone have any stories or pics of South African bike racers from the 70s or 80s,or did any of you race in South Africa.I would like to hear about it.

[Hieronymus]

My knowledge of bike racing in SA is unfortunately very limited, so I trust someone else will be able to assist you. There are a few bikers on this forum with Southern African connections.

In the 1970s the biggest name on the local bike scene was most probably the late Johan Boshoff. I can email you a decent article on him, if you wish.

[asag]

I have only these pictures

Ian Scheckter copyright David Pearson SA


Paddy Driver copyrigth Castrol SA

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by slippery sam
Does anyone have any stories or pics of South African bike racers from the 70s or 80s,or did any of you race in South Africa.I would like to hear about it.

There are several people on here that have knowledge of motorcycle racing in SA. PMBboy being the resident expert I would venture to say. Like me, he probably missed the thread when you first posted it.
What period were you interested in? Pre 60´s (Ray Amm, Beppie Castellani, Jack Grey) is going to be difficult, but from then on I think some of us have a bit of knowledge. I was involved during 60´s and 70´s, so if there is anything in particular you would like to know, please let us know.
I think it is a great pity that the history of South African M/C racing has gone largely unrecorded. Southern Africa has produced 4 world champions for a total of 13 world titles, and the general standard, at least in the period I was involved, was absolutely world class.
In the 60´s, riders like, Paddy Driver, Ian Burne, Ofie Howard, Ray Richards, Errol Cowan, Martin Watson, Dennis West, John Smith, Tommy Johns, Smiler Smyth, Andy Quinn, Stan Setaro, Keith Crawford, Syd Stacey, Gillie Cruse, Trevor Van Rooyan, Johny Gwillam, Jannie Stander, as well as the Marriner brothers, Bernie and Tiny, were all absolutely top notch competitors. During this period we also produced two very extraordinary world champions in Gary (Sox) Hocking, who won 2 world titles (350 and 500 in the same year, 1961), as well as Jim Redman (6 world titles, 250 and 350). Jim also became the only man ever to record a hatrick of 250/350 doubles in the IOM TT races.
The 70´s saw a whole bunch of great riders too numerous to mention here. I will however mention the standouts.
Obviously our two world champions, Korkie Ballington and Jon Ekerold were in a class of their own. Kork won 4 world titles (250/350 double, 2 years running), and Jon became the first and only privateer ever to win the 350 world title.
Besides these two though, Southern Africa was awash with talent, the best being Johan Boshoff. He won a total of 9 (?) SA titles, and is generally regarded as the man who established the incredibly high standard in SA that produced a generation of superb riders. Men like Alan North (a GP winner) Peter Aitkin, Mike Fogg, Mike Grant, Dudley Crammond, Les Van Breda, Keith Zeeman, Rod Grey, Mike Crawford, the Petersen brothers, Keith, Dave and Robbie, Jimmy Peters and many more. Of the above mentioned, several raced with distinction at the highest level. As stated Alan North won a world championship race, the Italian 350 GP in 1977 at Imola, and was widely tipped as a future W/C until his career was prematurely ended by a road accident. Peter Aitkin represented his country in the IOM TT races, finishing in a brilliant 6th place in the 250 event at his first and only try. Mike Fogg won a trip to Europe, but a bad accident in Magny Cours ended his career. Likewise, Mike Grant had his very promising career ended by a life threatening crash in Terbruggen, Holland. Dudley Crammond raced with success in the UK, winning the unlimited class of the Southern 100 in Dundrod in 1978, as well as several British national events. Mike Crawford´s finest moment was his pole position for the 1978 British 350 GP at Silverstone, and Rod Grey who won the prestigious Castrol 6 hour event in Australia.
Perhaps one day, one of us will sit down, research the subject, and then produce a book on M/C racing in South Africa. It would be a fascinating read.
How about it Peter?

[Andrew Kitson]

Trevor Van Rooyen told me he switched to cars when he had a bad crash on his bike and hurt his wrist.
Driving a car was less painful than riding after this.
He is well respected as one of the best race car engine builders out there and said his self taught schooling
was from 'eeking' power out of 250cc bike engines back in SA.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson
Trevor Van Rooyen told me he switched to cars when he had a bad crash on his bike and hurt his wrist.
Driving a car was less painful than riding after this.

Yes Andrew, Trevor raced with much success on 4 wheels (formula Atlantic) and coincidently, Peter (PMBboy) spannered for him.
As an aside, SA also produced a whole bunch of great spanner men, Peter being one of them. Besides working for Trevor, he was also Ekerold´s spanner man I believe. Then, of course, there was that living legend, fellow Rhodie Nobby Clark, who worked for just about every champion in the sport. A truely remarkable man.

[Andrew Kitson]

Peter also worked in F1 with Rory at Benetton for many years.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Oh dear, it´s all flooding back. I left two (probably a lot more) very important names out of my list. The first one was that great campaigner, Freddie Van Niekerk. I just loved watching him. Espcially on the 350 Honda twin he won the SA title on in about 1969.
And then there was Bert Klaver. He was the greatest talent I´ve ever seen on 2 wheels. He appeared in about 1971 on a brand new TD2, stunned everyone for 6 months, then had a bad fall in Cape Town (Killarney), broke his leg, and vanished as quickly as he had appeared. There were a few sighs of relief, I can promise you.

[Russell Burrows]

Originally posted by ex Rhodie racer
Oh dear, it´s all flooding back. I left two (probably a lot more) very important names out of my list. The first one was that great campaigner, Freddie Van Niekerk. I just loved watching him. Espcially on the 350 Honda twin he won the SA title on in about 1969.
And then there was Bert Klaver. He was the greatest talent I´ve ever seen on 2 wheels. He appeared in about 1971 on a brand new TD2, stunned everyone for 6 months, then had a bad fall in Cape Town (Killarney), broke his leg, and vanished as quickly as he had appeared. There were a few sighs of relief, I can promise you.

Bruce Beale worth a mention?

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by Russell Burrows


Bruce Beale worth a mention?

It´s the old memory you know. Fading quickly I´m afraid Russell .
He deserverves more than just a mention. He was one of our (Rhodesia´s) best. Bruce suprised a lot of people with his performaces in Europe, me in particular, I must say. I rated him highly but never thought he would do as well as he did. All round nice guy as well.
Anyone know what he´s up to these days?

[Russell Burrows]

Sadly Rhodie, I sure I read about twelve months ago that he died.

A reliable source confirmed this but apparently it happened a little while further back than this.

Regards Russell

[zakeriath]

Kork`s tribute day at Kyalami



and the field at his tribute race



and some pics from the day

[Russell Burrows]

Originally posted by asag
I have only these pictures

Ian Scheckter copyright David Pearson SA


Paddy Driver copyrigth Castrol SA

Is that lovely G50 now in SA?

[ex Rhodie racer]

Russell, thanks for the news regarding Bruce. How sad. I recall how everyone in Rhodesia was over the moon when two men from our tiny country finished first and second in the 1964 (?) 350 world championship. It made us damn proud, I can tell you.

[asag]

For Russell Burrows:

I am sorry I do not know nothing about this photos, but more infos here:


I hope that this will be O.K.

[ry6]

There was also Alan North. He won the Dutch GP at Assen I think?

[barrykm]

Other names remembered are Ian Burne and Ophie Howard, who, along with Johnny Gwillam already mentioned, were particular favourites of mine as a youngster.

[picblanc]

Originally posted by slippery sam
Does anyone have any stories or pics of South African bike racers from the 70s or 80s,or did any of you race in South Africa.I would like to hear about it.

From the 1970's Greg Barsdorf and Richard Schulz come to mind, just looking for photos.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by ry6
There was also Alan North. He won the Dutch GP at Assen I think?

Ry6. Alan North´s only GP win was the 1977 350 Italian GP in Imola. He was also South African 350 champion in 1973.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by picblanc


Greg Barsdorf 1976.

Photo copyrighted to Graham Etheridge, racebikepics.

Richard Schulz on his own 500 Asagi 1977?



and again same day.

All photos copyrighted to graham Etheridge, racebikepics.

Graham, I think Richard will forgive me if I say he was better known for his engineering abilities. I don´t wish to suggest he wasn´t a fine competitor, but it was on the engineering side he was best known.
I don´t know much about Greg Barsdorf unfortunately.

[Hieronymus]

Originally posted by Russell Burrows


Bruce Beale worth a mention?

Is there perhaps a family connection between Bruce Beall and the Beall-brothers from Durban, i.e. Basil and Grierson?

Robert??

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by Hieronymus


Is there perhaps a family connection between Bruce Beall and the Beall-brothers from Durban, i.e. Basil and Grierson?

Robert??

Bruce´s surname is spelled Beale. So no, if the Durban brothers are Beall.

[picblanc]

Originally posted by ex Rhodie racer


Graham, I think Richard will forgive me if I say he was better known for his engineering abilities. I don´t wish to suggest he wasn´t a fine competitor, but it was on the engineering side he was best known.
I don´t know much about Greg Barsdorf unfortunately.

Hi Rhodie, I think he was a very talented engineer, I dont know if you saw it? but Richard posted on the 1969-90 thread early last year I think?, regarding his bike that is in these pictures, he said that he had only just finished it and it had teething troubles on this day. Dont know what became of it? I hope Richard might look in on this thread and let us know!?
As regards to Greg Barsdorf I remember seeing him I think in 1975 the first time, so he must of raced in UK for at least 3 years?
Cheers mate,
Graham.

[Hieronymus]

Originally posted by ex Rhodie racer


Bruce´s surname is spelled Beale. So no, if the Durban brothers are Beall.

Thanks, the spelling surely makes a difference. The brothers Beall were racing drivers from the forties and fifties. Basil is regarded as the first South African Drivers' Champion (unofficialy).

[Hieronymus]

Originally posted by Russell Burrows
Sadly Rhodie, I sure I read about twelve months ago that he died.

A reliable source confirmed this but apparently it happened a little while further back than this.

Regards Russell

Bruce Beale died on 17 May 2002 in the Mill Park Hospital in Johannesburg. He suffered from a heart condition.



By the way...I recall another few good motorcycle racers from the 1970s and 1980s:

Mario Rademeyer
Joe van Altena
Richard (?) Borian

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by Hieronymus


Bruce Beale died on 17 May 2002 in the Mill Park Hospital in Johannesburg. He suffered from a heart condition.



By the way...I recall another few good motorcycle racers from the 1970s and 1980s:

Mario Rademeyer
Joe van Altena
Richard (?) Borian

Thanks for that info regarding Bruce, H

Of the 3 you mentioned, I can only comment on Richard Borain. He was regarded as a bit of a specialist around his home track, Roy Hesketh, in Pietermaritzburg. Won several nationals there if I remember correctly, but oddly, couldn´t reproduce that sort of form away from home. Very quick and stylish rider nonetheless.

[Hieronymus]

South African Racing Motorcycle Champions:

[Hieronymus]

The following riders received Springbok (national) colour awards from 1960-1988:


C. Randall
E. Cowan
A. Flack
N. Maurice
A. Wilson
Bruce Beale
Jim Redman
I. Burke
Bernie Marriner
Jannie Stander
G. Smyth
D. West
Keith Crawford
Ray Richards
Tommy Johns
Johan Boshoff
Gillie Cruse
Ofie Howard
P. Aitken
F. van Niekerk
Mike Fogg
Les van Breda
Alan North
D. Crammond
Rod Gray
Jon Ekerold
Richard Borian
Kork Ballington
J. Scott
Joe van Altena
Mario Rademeyer

[fines]

Isn't C. Randall Desiré's dad? Or R. A. Randall?

[ex Rhodie racer]

H, did you know that the first name on the list, Charlie Randall, was Dessire Wilson´s father (she of 4 wheel fame and South Africa´s first woman F1 driver).
After he retired from racing, he was Les Van Breda´s, helper, mechanic, body guard, father figure, mate and drinking companion all rolled up in one. I remember he had a pair of arms like a gorilia and he used to joke he got them from hanging on to his Manx Norton. What a character

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by fines
Isn't C. Randall Desiré's dad? Or R. A. Randall?

If only you had waited a moment longer

[fines]

[subh]

Originally posted by Hieronymus
South African Racing Motorcycle Champions:

Can anyone give us the list of champions after 1968, and from 1953 to 1964? The rest of that info must be on page 379...

My info on the Superbike champions:
2007 Arushen Moodley, Suzuki
2006 Shaun Whyte, Yamaha
2005 Sheridan Morais
2004 Hudson Kennaugh
2003 Russell Wood
2002 Russell Wood, Yamaha
2001 Greg Dreyer, Honda
2000 Stewart MacLeod
1999 Russell Wood
1998 Brett MacLeod, Suzuki
1997 Russell Wood
1996 Greg Dreyer
1995 Greg Dreyer
1994 Greg Dreyer
1993 Greg Dreyer
1992 Russell Wood

[ex Rhodie racer]

Some interesting stuff on here. Might just pop over for a looksee myself.


http://www.motoring....ticleId=4204710

[GD66]

Russell Wood appeared in Australia in the early 90s, and was absolutely terrifying to watch : bike sliding, squirming and pig-jumping, but he hardly ever crashed ! A real charger, good to see he followed through and attained some titles. We remember, Russell !

[gary76]

Three other riders I remember, and a few others will no doubt come to mind.
Rhodesian's, Allen Harris, raced in the UK on L. Stevens Velocette also at the TT races in 1963 and 1964. He was quite badly injured in an accident at Aberdare Park (Wales) cannot remember the year.
Gordon Keith, won the Lightweight Manx GP on a Greeves in 1964 and also raced in Europe and the TT races.
Colin Lyster, badly injured in an accident at the Belvedare airfield circuit in Rhodesia, built many specials in the UK, half a Hillman Imp engine and disc brakes come to mind.
Love to know what they are now doing.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by gary76
.
Love to know what they are now doing.

Getting horribly pissed if you ask me. Hey, they´re ex SA racers aren´t they?

[GD66]

Colin Lyster lived in Nelson, New Zealand for a number of years, sad to say he died a couple of years back, I think of leukemia. He is fondly remembered by many for his years on the Continental Circus. His chassis were a testament to his skill and logic, and apart from his G50 chassis, his legacy will no doubt be the chassis Mike Hailwood commissioned to tame the Honda 500 four. I believe this machine is now up and running again in the hands of Virgil Ehlings.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by GD66
Colin Lyster lived in Nelson, New Zealand for a number of years, sad to say he died a couple of years back, I think of leukemia. He is fondly remembered by many for his years on the Continental Circus. His chassis were a testament to his skill and logic, and apart from his G50 chassis, his legacy will no doubt be the chassis Mike Hailwood commissioned to tame the Honda 500 four. I believe this machine is now up and running again in the hands of Virgil Ehlings.

Apologies, no offense meant. Just having a laugh. I wasn´t aware he had passed on.

[exclubracer]

I remember Brett Hudson on a nice looking yellow/green (?) RG500 at the '84 SA GP when it was run in torrential rain, never heard much more about him though, any more info anyone?

[Bernard]

I met the late Ian Burne on the boat coming back from the island one year, nice bloke murdered on a beach in Mozambique apparently. Funny things you remember he had seen a Norton Atlas on the IOM and said he was going to buy one.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Capetonian Ray Flack was discussed on this forum (not this thread) awhile back. I remember seeing him on his 3 cylinder 500cc DKW solo kneeler in the late 60´s. What an an amazing machine that was, and incredibly quick. It produced a beautiful wailing sound, which was quite unique.
I wonder if anyone on here has any idea of where that machine is now. It was a total one off, so shouldn´t be hard to trace if it is still in existence.

[Hieronymus]

Originally posted by subh


Can anyone give us the list of champions after 1968, and from 1953 to 1964?

[Hieronymus]

[subh]

Thank you for those scans.

[pmbboy]

Hi,
I have been rather busy at work and so have not seen the Forum for a while and then I come back and find I have been well and truly left behind, so much for being the expert. South Africa and Rhodesia have for there size produced a huge amount of motorsport talent in both 2 and 4 wheels and they should be justly proud of it.I see many names mentioned and it is a truly amazing array of talent. I have been very lucky to have been a part of this scene first with growing up with Rod Gray and at the same time my father sponsoring Martin Watson, John Smith and Syd Stacey. when I moved to the UK I was then involved at various times with Mike Fogg, Kork Ballington Alan North Jon Ekerold and then on moving back to SA I was then involved with Trevor van Rooyen and David Emond and in just those names you are looking at some of the best riders in the world. I have some wonderfull memories and stories of all these times and it would certainly fill a book but I am not a wordsmith, my brother (Bigrog) was the one with words and he was with me at these times and he would certainly be able to tell the whole story.I hope one day someone will be able to put together a history of all the great motosport heroes South Africa and Rhodesia have produced.
Cheers Peter

[Hieronymus]

Peter

Perhaps you can answer this one.

Jannie Stander had a 250cc Velocette and it was also later in the hands of Tommy Johns (circa 1965). The nickname of this bike was "Boksnot". Do you perhaps know from where this name? OK, no need to explain the meaning of this specific word, since that I know. Just curious why a successful bike got this unflattering name??

[gripper]

Was searching over the weekend for some other pics and came across this one of Gary Hocking. There is nothing on the back to say where and when it was taken. Apart from this pic I found a three page article about Gary which was published in Motor Cycle and written by Vic Willoughby - August 1959. I don't think it will scan very well as it is a light sepia coloured paper and small text. In it says that Jim Redman and he started up a business before Redman came to Europe. A year later he closed the business and followed suit. If anyone would like a photocopy email or pm me and I'll be happy to send you a copy.

[ex Rhodie racer]

Not sure where, but almost definitely 1961. The 60 and 61 MV´s had slightly different fairings, the one in the pic being the 1961 version. Had the pic been taken in 1962 he would have had the #1 on the bike.
Judging by the caps of the police(?) in the background, it must have been on the continent somewhere. Shouldn´t be too difficult to trace with the #60 on the bike.
The link shows Paddy, Gary and Jim. Loverly pic. It should have been titled, "The likely lads"

http://www.prisonpot...the_bushmen.jpg

[Gavfos]

Hi all - I've been following this bulletin board for a year or so but never posted before.

Many of the old racers are still around and a whole lot rode at Zwartkops two weeks ago - a revival thing. Alan North was there, Rod Gray, Joe van Altena, Les van Breda, Jim Redman, Keith Zeeman, Dave & Robbie Petersen, Paddy Driver, Ophie Howard - all riding. Mike Grant was there, but as a spectator - a roaming goblin hit him on the head with a steel bar a few months ago and he's still recovering. Jimmy Guthrie was also riding - Manx TT winner now resident in Pinetown, son of the other Jmmy Guthrie, who died a month before Junior was born.

I've interviewd and done articles on most of these blokes over the last few years and, funnily enough, have been considering sticking them into a book...

I have pics of most of them, if somebody can tell me how to insert them...

Cheers