Every picture tells a story and no more so than in the 75-year history of Grand Prix racing. Just one look sparks such personal memories of people, friends and history in the making over those seven decades of our lives. The different liveries of the bikes and riders reflect the contrasting eras in those 75 years and personal memories of our lives, both past and present.
One glimpse of the magnificent MV Agustas with those silver and red fairings, that dominated the 350 and 500cc World Championships, starts me off. Growing up in the swinging sixties with that music and fashion, watching the majestic Giacomo Agostini in action at the TT in the Isle of Man. Sitting on the wall at Greeba Castle in 1968 listening to Ago screaming through the thin Manx air ten kilometres away. Trying to work out just how fast he could negotiate the tree and wall-lined right-hander
He arrived in a flash of red and silver and was gone. All that was left was a cloud of exhaust smoke. Nobody spoke for at least 30 seconds. Almost ten years later, just about to embark on a career in journalism and traveling to the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit with my friends, I can still hear and see Phil Read racing out of the Ardennes Forest onto the start and finish straight at the end of the first lap, with nobody else in sight. That red and silver fairing glinting in the afternoon sunshine.
A couple of years later and a ‘proper’ journalist, I was watching and enjoying Barry Sheene arguing with some pathetic British race officials. They told the World Champion he must not use the continental number seven on the front of his Suzuki and could only race with the traditional British number seven with no line through it. There was only one winner in that argument.
At the same time, Kenny Roberts arrived from the States. Riding the works Yamaha, sporting the yellow and black livery of Yamaha America, he simply blew the world apart. Three titles and so much the leader of the revolution for riders’ welfare and safety. So many aggressive and confident Americans arrived in his footsteps. When my newspaper closed, I was determined to carry on Grand Prix racing and it was Freddie Spencer who provided the opening. I was working for Honda’s sponsors Rothmans in 1985 when Freddie re-wrote the history books. Riding those strikingly designed blue and white liveried Hondas Freddie became the first rider to win both 250 and 500cc World title in the same season. A feat that has never been repeated. My future was assured.
It was a wonderful era for scary racing and exciting liveries. Kevin Schwantz on the Lucky Strike Suzuki, taking on the Marlboro Yamahas of Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson and the Rothmans Hondas of Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner. My favourite was Cagiva. The red-faired machine that simply oozed Italian class and sophistication.
In 2001, I was privy to one of the great livery stories. I was in a taxi with Valentino Rossi and his great friend Uccio on route to the BBC after a photoshoot at the London Eye, when the Hawaiian plot was hatched. On learning of a Rossi fan club on the Pacific Island, they decided to fly a couple of those fans over to Mugello. By the time we reached the BBC Studio the whole picture had changed. Not only fly them over but have the Honda, Vale’s leathers and helmet in a Hawaiian flower design and the team wearing Hawaiin shirts. Throw in a swimming pool and palm tree in the pit garage and the deal was done and completed.
Just a glance at the American livered helmet Nicky Hayden rode to victory at Laguna Seca in 2005 brings back memories of two special people. Nicky and his dad Earl were quite simply the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, let alone to work with. If ever a father and son deserved World Championship success it was them.
This weekend at Silverstone is going to bring back so many memories. There will be plenty of smiles and stories, plus a few tears and that is just from me. It has been a truly amazing 75 years to remember and celebrate.
