Freddie Frith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Freddie FrithOBE |
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Frith demonstrating a 1930s Manx Norton at the Vintage Motor Cycle Club's Founder's Day rally, race meeting and parade gathering, 27 April 1969 at Mallory Park
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| Nationality | British | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | May 30, 1909 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | May 24, 1988 (aged 79) Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England |
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Frederick Lee Frith (born May 30, 1909 – died May 24, 1988) was a famous British motorcycle racer. He was a world champion in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
Before racing, he worked as a stonemason and later owned a motorcycle shop in Grimsby, England. Freddie was known for his smooth riding style. He won the famous Isle of Man TT race five times! He was one of the special few who won TT races both before and after World War II. He even received an award called the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1950 for his achievements.
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Freddie Frith's Racing Journey
Freddie Frith started his major racing career in 1930. His first big race was the Manx Grand Prix. He rode a 350cc Velocette KTT motorcycle in the Junior event. He finished in third place, riding at a speed of over 60 miles per hour.
Joining the Norton Team
In 1935, Freddie won the Junior Manx Grand Prix. This big win helped him join the Norton racing team. In 1936, he raced in the Isle of Man TT. He won the Junior TT race and came in second in the Senior TT. That same year, he also became the 350cc European Champion.
TT Wins and World War II
Freddie continued to do well in racing. In 1937, he won the Senior TT race. He also set a new record, completing a lap of the Snaefell Mountain Course at over 90 miles per hour!
After finishing third in the 1939 Senior TT, World War II began. During the war, Freddie served in the army. He helped teach officers and soldiers how to ride motorcycles across rough land. He taught them how to ride Norton 500 bikes over mountains in all kinds of weather.
Post-War Success and World Champion
After the war, Freddie returned to racing. He missed the 1947 TT race because of a crash during practice. In 1948, he switched to riding Velocette motorcycles. He won the Junior Race that year and again in 1949.
In 1949, Freddie Frith made history. He became the first-ever 350cc World Champion in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. He won all five races in that first championship season!
Images for kids
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Frith on his 350cc bike at the 1948 Dutch TT
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