09-13-2014, 04:53 AM
Good to see Yamaha finally acknowledging Phil again after all these years! It seems ever since he decided to fight Bill Ivy for the 250cc title, and win it, Yamaha has pretty much ignored him.
I had the immense privilege to spend some quality time with Phil last year. There is a classic bike hill climb run on the road behind my house every two years, and last year a number of old champions showed up, including Phil Read and Freddie Spencer. One of my best friends who now works for the FIM, and used to work for HRC back in Spencer's day, was also there riding a Honda 750 Daytona replica, so obviously I went up to meet him. He was chatting with Phil in the paddock, and so I got a chance to also meet one of my childhood heroes.
After chatting for a while, I asked Phil if he wanted to come over to my place for a BBQ the following day. To my surprise he seemed honestly happy to say yes! So the next day, Phil and his girlfriend showed up in the afternoon, and we spent the rest of the day just talking about racing and life in general. Truly a great person, and a Sunday afternoon I will never forget...
I had the immense privilege to spend some quality time with Phil last year. There is a classic bike hill climb run on the road behind my house every two years, and last year a number of old champions showed up, including Phil Read and Freddie Spencer. One of my best friends who now works for the FIM, and used to work for HRC back in Spencer's day, was also there riding a Honda 750 Daytona replica, so obviously I went up to meet him. He was chatting with Phil in the paddock, and so I got a chance to also meet one of my childhood heroes.
After chatting for a while, I asked Phil if he wanted to come over to my place for a BBQ the following day. To my surprise he seemed honestly happy to say yes! So the next day, Phil and his girlfriend showed up in the afternoon, and we spent the rest of the day just talking about racing and life in general. Truly a great person, and a Sunday afternoon I will never forget...