Hugh Anderson, MotoGP legend Mike Webb and Simon Cravar lead a private party in New Zealand
More than 100 New Zealand riders, friends and members of the Hamilton Motorcycle Club attended Anderson & rsquor’s induction ceremony, which has been delayed since 2020 due to Covid restrictions, at the Hampton Downs circuit.
Mike Webb, Race Director at MotoGP, and Simon Crafar, Grand Prix winner and now MotoGP reporter in the passenger lane, took the lead for their compatriot. Both traveled to New Zealand right after the Thai tour last weekend.
Anderson & rsquor’s impressive stats include 25 Grand Prix wins and 48 podiums in under 80 starts in the 50cc, 125cc, 250cc, 350cc and 500cc World Championships from 1960 to 1966.
Although there is a 350 cc platform in its first season, it is in the small classes, and with the small factory suzukiwhich Anderson enjoyed his greatest success.
His first wins in the 50 cc and 125 cc season finals in 1962 served as a prelude to a perfect doubling of world titles in 50 cc and 125 cc the following year.
Competing against rivals such as Ernst Degner, fellow Suzuki champion and 15-time Grand Prix winner, Anderson defended his title in 1964 before adding a fourth title in 1965, when he topped the 125cc class with seven wins from nine races.
“I am so grateful for our role because it made me a motorcycle legend,” said Anderson, now 86.
“It is an honor to have my career and world championships inducted into the Hall of Fame, and I would like to thank Dorna and Carmelo, as well as all my family, friends and supporters for this recognition and their support these years.
“I am also very grateful to have organized this concert in New Zealand, it was a very special day.”
Speaking via the video link, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “It is a great pleasure to be able to send this message. Unfortunately, we cannot be together, but as you know, it is a great honor for us to nominate you as a MotoGP legend and to see you. Into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.
“I remember your races in the Championship, because I am old enough to remember them too! It is such a pleasure for us, I hope to see you soon, and to see you with us as often as you can.
“Today we celebrate your accomplishments as we bid farewell to another legend, Phil Reed, and we will always cherish those riders whose careers paved the way for our sport to become what it is.”
Other riders have been named MotoGP legends including Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini, Mick Dohan, Jeff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hillwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mange, Angel Neto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Reed, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts , Kenny Roberts Jr., Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheen, Marco Simoncelli, Freddy Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surteese, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Crivelli, Franco Oncini, Marco Luchinelli, Randy Mamula, Cork Ballington, Dani Pedrosa Martinez, Stefan Dor Jorge Lorenzo, Max Biaggi, Luigi Taveri and Nikki Hayden.
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