Famous British Motorcycle Racers

Barry Sheene was a British professional motorcycle racer known for his success in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, particularly with the Suzuki factory racing team where he won two consecutive 500cc World Championships. He was a charismatic and articulate personality who used his fame to secure commercial endorsements and promote rider safety in the sport. Sheene retired in 1984 and moved to Australia, where he worked as a motorsport commentator and property developer. In 2011, he was posthumously inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.

Carl Fogarty is an English former motorcycle racer known for his high corner speed riding style and aggressive competitiveness. He is one of the most successful World Superbike racers, with 59 race wins and four World Superbike Championships. His greatest achievements came with the factory Ducati team, where he helped develop the Petronas FP1 racing motorcycle. Fogarty was named a FIM Legend for his motorcycling achievements and was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1998. He also won the 14th series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2014.

Thomas Edward Sykes is a professional motorcycle racer known for his successful career in the World Superbike Championship. He has competed for various teams such as Kawasaki, BMW, and Ducati, achieving multiple wins, podium finishes, and pole positions throughout his career. Sykes has set records for the most career pole positions in World Superbike history and has consistently been a top contender in the championship standings. His racing journey includes stints with prominent teams like Paul Bird Motorsport and Shaun Muir Racing, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Guy Martin is a renowned British former motorcycle racer, heavy vehicle mechanic, and television presenter. He began racing in 1998 and achieved success with 17 podium finishes at Isle of Man TT events. Despite enduring two back injuries during racing incidents, he continued to pursue his passion and even joined Williams' pit-crew for the Belgian GP in 2017. Martin's career also includes starring in a documentary on TT racing, presenting engineering programs, setting speed records, writing books, and competing in mountain bike races.

Mike Hailwood was a highly successful motorcycle and car racer, achieving numerous victories and championships in both disciplines. He excelled in motorcycle racing, winning multiple Isle of Man TT races and World Championships, as well as demonstrating his skills in Formula One and World Sports Cars. Hailwood's career saw him race for top manufacturers like Honda and Ducati, earning him accolades such as the Segrave Trophy and induction into various motorsport halls of fame. His legacy is marked by his exceptional talent and bravery on the track.

James Toseland is a retired English motorcycle racer who achieved success in the World Superbike Championship, winning titles in 2004 and 2007 with different manufacturers. Following his retirement due to a wrist injury in 2011, he transitioned into team management for Wepol Racing and became a television commentator for motorcycle racing. In addition to his racing career, Toseland is a talented pianist and singer-songwriter who performs with his band Toseland, showcasing his musical abilities on various platforms including charity events and awards ceremonies.

Maria Costello is a renowned British motorcycle racer known for her impressive achievements in the sport. She made history by holding the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course at an average speed of 114.73 mph. Her exceptional skills and determination have earned her a respected place in the world of motorcycle racing. Despite facing challenges, Maria Costello continues to inspire others with her passion for the sport and her groundbreaking accomplishments on the track.

Marjorie Cottle was a prominent English motorcycle trials rider known for her exceptional skills and achievements in the 1920s and 1930s. She gained recognition as one of the top motorcyclists in Britain, excelling in reliability trials and earning a reputation as one of the country's finest riders, regardless of gender. Her notable accomplishment was winning the International Silver Vase as part of the British Ladies' Team at the International Six Days Trial in 1927, solidifying her status as the "most famous girl rider in the world."

Leslie Graham was a prominent figure in British motorcycle road racing during the 1930s and 1940s. He achieved great success by winning the first-ever Grand Prix motorcycle racing 500 cc World Championship in 1949. Graham's talent and skill on the racetrack solidified his reputation as a top competitor in the sport. His dedication and determination to succeed made him a respected and admired figure in the motorcycle racing community, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the sport.

Phil Read was a distinguished English motorcycle racer who excelled in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1961 to 1976. He made history by becoming the first competitor to win world championships in the 125 cc, 250 cc, and 500 cc classes. Despite being overshadowed by his contemporary, Mike Hailwood, Read's talent shone through as he secured seven FIM Grand Prix road racing world championships. His exceptional contributions to the sport were recognized with an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and induction into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.

Danny Kent is an accomplished English motorcycle racer known for his achievements in the Moto3 World Championship. He made history by becoming Great Britain's first solo motorcycle world champion since 1977. In 2020, he competed in the British National Superstock 1000 Championship before moving to the British Superbike Championship in 2021. Unfortunately, a crash in August 2021 resulted in a dislocated and broken hip. Despite this setback, Kent continued his career with Buildbase Suzuki in 2022 and joined a new BSB team in 2023 riding a Honda.

Elspeth Beard is an accomplished architect and motorcyclist known for her pioneering journey as one of the first English women to ride a motorcycle around the world. Her career highlights include the redesign of the historic Munstead Tower in Godalming, for which she received the prestigious 1994 Royal Institute of British Architects award for South East England. Currently, she owns and operates her own successful architectural firm, situated in a converted stable in Godalming, showcasing her passion for design and innovation in the field.

Rodney Gould was a British Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and short circuit specialist. He began his racing career in 1961 and achieved success riding a variety of machines, including Yamaha, Manx Nortons, and Bultacos. Gould won the 1970 FIM 250cc world championship and later retired from competition to become Yamaha's European racing manager. He also established a motorcycle dealership in partnership with Mike Hailwood and briefly worked as a Sales Manager for Hesketh Motorcycles. Gould passed away in 2024 at the age of 81.

Jennifer Rosanne Tinmouth is a renowned English motorcycle racer known for her impressive achievements in the sport. She holds the title of the current female Isle of Man TT lap record holder, breaking the record multiple times and earning Guinness World Records for her outstanding performances. Tinmouth made history as the first and only female competitor in the British Superbike Championship, further showcasing her exceptional talent and breaking barriers in the world of motorcycle racing.

Geoff Duke was a British motorcycle racer who achieved great success in multiple motorcycle Grand Prix road racing championships. Throughout his career, he raced for various motorcycle brands including Norton, Gilera, BMW, NSU, and Benelli. After retiring from competition, he transitioned into the business world, establishing himself as a businessman based in the Isle of Man. Duke's legacy in the world of motorcycle racing is marked by his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport both on and off the track.

Bill Ivy was a skilled English Grand Prix motorcycle racer known for his exceptional talent on the track. Hailing from Maidstone, Kent, Ivy made a name for himself in the racing world with his impressive performances. Tragically, his career was cut short when he died during a practice session for a race in East Germany. Despite his untimely death, Ivy's legacy lives on as a talented and respected professional in the world of motorcycle racing.

Bob Foster was a renowned British motorcycle racer who competed professionally from 1935 to 1951. He achieved great success during his career, most notably winning the 1950 FIM 350cc Grand Prix world championship. Foster's exceptional skills and dedication to the sport earned him a reputation as one of the top racers of his time. His consistent performance and passion for motorcycle racing made him a beloved figure in the racing community, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of motorsports.

Beryl Swain was a pioneering female road racer known for her achievements in solo motorcycle racing. In 1962, she made history by becoming the first woman to compete in a TT race on the Isle of Man TT course. Swain's professional career was marked by her determination to break gender barriers in a male-dominated sport. Her participation in the TT race showcased her skill and courage, inspiring future generations of female racers and earning her a place in the annals of motorcycle racing history.

Fergus Anderson was a British professional motorcycle racer who competed in world championship road racing competitions from 1932 to 1956. He was a two-time Grand Prix World Champion and a member of the Moto Guzzi factory racing team. Anderson excelled in motorcycle racing, winning numerous races and championships, including the 350cc and 500cc World Championships. He also briefly competed in automobile racing. Anderson's career was marked by success, determination, and a deep passion for motorsports.

Freddie Frith was a renowned British Grand Prix motorcycle road racing world champion known for his stylish riding and multiple wins at the Isle of Man TT. Starting as a stonemason and later a motorcycle retailer, he excelled in racing, winning various events before and after World War II. Frith was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the sport. His career highlights include winning the Junior TT, Senior TT, and becoming the first 350cc World Champion in 1949.

Dave Simmonds was a British professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer known for his participation in the Grand Prix world championships from 1963 to 1972. He achieved significant success by winning the 1969 125 cc FIM road racing world championship. Simmonds demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout his career, earning a reputation as a talented and competitive racer in the motorcycle racing community. His achievements and contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and enthusiasts worldwide.

Cecil Sandford was a British professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who competed in the FIM motorcycle Grand Prix world championships from 1950 to 1957. During his career, he achieved significant success, winning the FIM road racing world championship twice and securing victory at the prestigious Isle of Man TT on two occasions. Sandford's skills and achievements solidified his reputation as a talented and accomplished racer within the motorcycle racing community, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Bill Lomas was a highly successful English Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, known for his achievements as a two-time World Champion and two-time Isle of Man TT winner. He secured the 350cc world championship titles in 1955 and 1956 while riding for the Moto Guzzi factory racing team, including piloting the iconic V8 Moto Guzzi Grand Prix race bike during the 1956 season. Lomas was also renowned for his skills as a trials rider. His career was tragically cut short by complications following a heart attack in 2007.

John Surtees was a renowned British Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and Formula One driver. He achieved great success in motorcycle racing, winning seven Grand Prix motorcycle World Championships in the 500 and 350cc classes. In 1964, he transitioned to Formula One and became the Formula One World Champion, making history as the only person to win World Championships on both two and four wheels. Surtees later founded the Surtees Racing Organisation team, competing as a constructor in Formula One, Formula 2, and Formula 5000 until 1978.

Eva Askquith was a pioneering British female speedway motorcycle racer during the late 1920s and early 1930s. She participated in the sport when female riders were first allowed to race speedway in Britain, distinguishing herself as one of only four British women in the field at that time. Askquith not only competed domestically but also raced internationally, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Her contributions helped pave the way for future generations of female speedway riders.

Joanne Coles is a renowned English international motorcycle trials rider, recognized for her exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. She made a significant mark in 2010 by clinching the title of British Women's Trials Champion, showcasing her talent, determination, and dedication to the sport. Throughout her professional career, Joanne has demonstrated a high level of expertise and passion for motorcycle trials, earning respect and admiration within the industry for her outstanding performances and accomplishments.