Britain’s most successful motorcycle racer, Phil Read MBE has died at the age of 83. He was one of the greatest motorcycle racers ever to come out of Great Britain – and with 121 Grand Prix podiums to his credit, he was certainly the most successful. But he was also one of the most controversial.
A statement released by his son, Phil Read Jnr, on behalf of the family said: “It is with incredible sadness that the Read family reports the passing of Phil Read MBE while peacefully asleep on the morning of October 6th, 2022, at his home in Canterbury, England.
“Phil is best known for winning Yamaha’s first world championship title in 1964 with four more Yamaha-mounted titles including one fought as a privateer, plus two premier class 500cc world championships in 1973 and 1974 for the Italian MV Agusta marque.
“Often a controversial and outspoke