All world champions mark history in their own way. Some, like Valentino Rossi, even exceed the framework of sport. In contrast, Gary Hocking and many others are forgotten, because too little media and publicized in their time. This is often the case with the unique champions such as Marco Lucchinelli or Kenny Roberts Jr. However, beautiful stories are sometimes hidden far from the spotlight. Today, let's look at the tragic fate of a champion.
Hocking is the story of a genius. Another one. If he was born in 1937 in Wales, He grew up in southern rhodesiaa former British colony in sub-Saharan Africa. It may seem surprising, but the current Zimbabwe saw two major motorcycle champions develop: Gary Hocking, of course, and Jim redmanmajor figure in the world championship in the 1960s.
It was only in adolescence that Gary became interested in motorcycles, then in competition. The circuits do not running the streets, the young Rhodesians in the South were passionate about the race on grass.
This later gave a definite advantage on the track, no doubt.
Gary Hocking on MV, the winning combination. Photo: Anefo
At only 21, he left Africa to reach the old continent. Direction England, real, hard. A Manchester preparer, named Reg Dearden, spotted him and decided to lend him equipment to run at the highest level. He quickly became friends with other pilots like George Costain, who took him under his wing. Ex-Vaineur of the Manx Grand Prix and resident of the island of Man, His advice was precious.
Along the “mountain”, Gary learns. Equipped with mythical Norton Manx in 350cc and 500cc, He made his world debut in 1958at the Grand Prix of the Netherlands. Result: a rare speed, coupled with an impressive mastery. Hocking finished sixth in his first race and climbs on the podium during his second outing. Un
crack.
The manufacturers are soon to knock on their door. MZ, an industrialist East German, is interested in Southern Rhodesian and decides to give it factory equipment in 250cc. With two victories on the clock, he finished vice-champion of the world 1959. The results were brilliant, and Dearden could soon rival the stables interested. It was MV Agusta who was best positioned on the Hocking file. Our young hero was equipped with factories in 125cc, 350cc and 500cc for the year 1960. The season is historic, but Gary could not win none of the three titles.
Carlo Ubbiali steals the show from him in 125cc, while the unbeatable John Surtes wins in 350cc as well as in queen category. All were his MV teammates. Three times vice-world champion the same year, it's raging. Thunderbolt on the World Cup! Surtees, living legend, decides to stop the motorcycle race to focus on Formula 1.
Gary Hocking becomes the spearhead of the Italian stable for 1961.
Gary
Hocking en 1961. Photo : ANEFO
Only a Mike Hailwood in shape managed to “contain” the official MV Agusta. Gary had an anthology season by gleaning
eleven success in seize apparitions350cc and 500cc combined. The two titles in my pocket, like a big one. At 24, he asserts himself as one of the main favorites for future seasons. Sometimes not everything goes as planned. During the 1962 tourism Trophy, opening round of the championship, his great friend Tom Philis kills himself. The appalling accident took place when Laurel Bank passed in 350cc. Gary was very affected by the death of the Australian, passionate about TT, which is more.
Hocking still found the strength to win the senior TT, proof of his determination and his incredible courage. Right after, he announced his sports retirement and left the world championship to Mike « the bike » Hailwood. Back in southern rhodesia, he wanted to put himself in the car race, which he found much safer.
Ironically, he killed himself behind the wheel of a lotus in testing in South Africa the same year. The latter had never experienced the slightest injury so far. Fate, what do you want … Gary Hocking's life was atypical from start to finish. From his nationality to his impressive talent by going through his premature death, he is not a champion to disparage. However, the latter remains unknown to the general public, even today.
Did you know his story? Tell me in comments!
What happened to Hocking if he had stayed in the world? Photo: anefo24
Cover photo: Anefo
