Legendary ‘Prince of Speed’ Phil Reed dies

British motorcycle champion Phil ReedNicknamed the “Prince of Speed”, he died this Thursday at the age of 83, leaving behind an image of the sometimes-talked-about rider with seven world titles. Giacomo Agostini.

His death was announced by the maker Yamahahe raced in the Grand Prix.

Born in Luton, near London, on 1 January 1939, he won his first races in road events such as the Manx Grand Prix and the Ulster 200 in the early 1960s.

He made his World Championship debut at the famous circuit. Isle of Man In 1961, won the 350cc race. In 1964, he won his first world championship on a Japanese brand Yamaha 250cc.

He repeated the feat in 1965 and 1968, winning the 125cc title that year.

After seeing Reed win the 125cc title, the public and Yamaha knew he was a teammate and compatriot and a huge favorite. bill ivy, was made in 250cc. However, in the final race at Monza, Reid gave Ivy no chance and won the championship in this category as well.

“We were both on the front row and I told him that if he wanted to win the championship, he had to beat me first,” he recalled in a 2019 interview.

Ivy committed suicide a few months later, and Reed’s popularity was permanently undermined by this episode.

A dedication took place in 1972.italian brand MV AgustaAfter dominating the championship in the 350cc and 500cc, , came to him and offered to support the multiple world champions. Giacomo AgostiniHe quickly took the measure of his illustrious partner, winning 50 titles the following year. Ago then decided to leave MV and join Yamaha, leaving Reed to win the 500 title again in 1974. This is the last for this legendary Italian brand. In 1975, he still finished second in MV, behind Agostini.

Although he retired from Grand Prix motorcycle racing in 1977, Reed continued to compete, mainly in tourist trophy In 1978 he faced a legendary player. Mike Hailwood, and his Grand Prix opponent 15 years ago. At 38 years and 11 months after his retirement, he returned to the TT for his final race.To everyone’s surprise, he Ducatiwas forced to retire when he was right behind Hailwood on the final lap.

“Then I heard that Hailwood’s engine failed just before the finish. If I had stayed with him until the end, I would have pushed him more and probably would have broken sooner. But I would have won the TT forever. Deaf ‘worst case,’ Reid said in the same interview with the British Veterans Club.

After retiring from racing permanently in 1983 at the age of 43, Phil Reed continued to participate regularly in vintage motorcycle rallies, choosing to wear his famous black helmet with leather and white flames to ride his bike. I didn’t hesitate. of his career.