UK Motorcycle News & Stories — On This Day
On This Day 1926 - Libero Liberati: The Forgotten 500cc World Champion
Mike Bowden Gilera Libero Liberati motorcycle racing history On This Day
On this day, 20 September 1926, Libero Liberati was born in Terni, Italy. Thirty-one years later he became the 500cc motorcycle World Champion, winning four Grands Prix for Gilera during a dominant 1957 season.
On This Day 1961 - Mike Hailwood Gave Honda Its First World Title
Mike Bowden Britiish Motorcyle Racing Honda Mike Hailwood On This Day
Mike Hailwood’s victory in the 250cc Swedish Grand Prix secured his first motorcycle World Championship. It also delivered the first world title ever won by Honda—a company that had arrived in international Grand Prix racing only two years earlier with ambition considerably greater than its experience.
On This Day 1948: Rollie Free's 150mph Vincent Record
Mike Bowden land speed record motorcycle history motorcycle nostagia motorcycle racing On This Day
On this day, 13 September 1948, Rollie Free rode a specially prepared Vincent HRD across the Bonneville Salt Flats at 150.313mph wearing swimming trunks, a bathing cap and borrowed shoes.
On This Day 1950: Barry Sheene Was Born
Mike Bowden Barry Sheene motorcycle history motorcycle nostagia motorcycle racing On This Day
On this day, 11 September 1950, Barry Sheene was born in London. He would become a two-time 500cc World Champion, a survivor of accidents that should have ended his career and perhaps the first British motorcycle racer whose personality became as recognisable as his results.