Grand Prix Motorcycle Racer Phil Read MBE Has Died

GRAND Prix racer Phil Read MBE has died today, passing away peacefully in his sleep this morning, at his home in England.

Read was a highly talented and much-respected member of the Grand Prix paddock, racing for Norton, Yamaha, Gilera, Ducati, MV Agusta and Suzuki during his career. One of his most notable achievements is amassing world crowns in the 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc classes.

Hi first championship came in 1964 when he has crowned the 250cc champion. He took the same title in 1964 and 1968 – winning the 125cc crown in the same year. In 1971 Read took his second 250cc title, crowning his efforts in 1973 and 1974 with consecutive championship victories.

Aside from circuit racing, Read was a highly accomplished and successful Isle of Man TT racer, contesting 14 IoM TT races and winning eight times. His first TT win came in 1961 in the junior TT, with his final arriving in 1977 with a Senior TT win.

His family have this evening released this statement:

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 outspoken figure, his prolific racing career included 52 FIM Grand Prix wins and eight wins at the iconic Isle of Man TT Races. In 2002 he was granted the status of “MotoGP Legend" by Dorna.

Phil is survived by his sons Michael, Graham, Phil Jr, Roki and daughter Esme’. Further details on any public celebrations of life will be shared.   

All at Visordown send our thoughts and best wishes to Phil’s family, friends, and teammates.

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