John Hartle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Hartle |
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John Hartle with his hometown's coat of arms helmet emblem
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| Nationality | British | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 22 December 1933 Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, England |
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| Died | 31 August 1968 (aged 34) Scarborough, England |
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John Hartle (born December 22, 1933 – died August 31, 1968) was an amazing English motorcycle racer. He competed in many big events, including national and international Grand Prix races.
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John Hartle's Racing Journey
John was born in Chapel-en-le-Frith, a town in England. He started racing motorcycles in 1952. At the time, he worked for Eric Bowers Motorcycles. His first race was on a BSA Gold Star bike at Brough Aerodrome.
He gained more experience at other race tracks like Cadwell Park and Oulton Park in 1953. He also did well in the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix in 1953 and 1954.
Joining Factory Teams
In 1955 and 1956, John rode for the official Norton team. This was Norton's last year in Grand Prix racing. After that, he went back to riding for Eric Bowers in 1957.
In 1958, the famous MV Agusta team signed him. Another rider, John Surtees, suggested they bring John Hartle onto the team. That year, John finished second to Surtees in both the 500cc and 350cc races.
First Big Wins
In 1960, John won his first Isle of Man TT race. This was the Junior TT event, which was a huge achievement! After leaving MV Agusta, he rode for Geoff Duke's private team, Gilera. He raced alongside another great rider, Derek Minter.
Early in his career, John had sponsors like Eric W Bowers Coaches and Comerfords. Comerfords was a big motorcycle shop in London. He raced for them until he retired in 1964.
Coming Back to Racing
John returned to racing in 1967. He won the first-ever Production Race 750 category at the Isle of Man TT. This race was for motorcycles that were similar to bikes people could buy for the road. He rode a Triumph Thruxton Bonneville. He also earned points in the World Championship for 350cc and 500cc races that year.
Sadly, John Hartle passed away in 1968. He had a crash at the Oliver's Mount race circuit in Scarborough.
John was very proud of his hometown, Chapel-en-le-Frith. He always had the town's coat of arms on his helmet. The motto on it was Cava et Spera, which means 'Caution and Hope' in Latin. In 2010, a blue plaque was put on the building where he used to live in his hometown. This plaque honors his memory.
John Hartle Trophy
The John Hartle Trophy is a special award given every year at the Isle of Man TT Races. It is presented to the winner of the Superstock TT race.
Images for kids
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John Hartle with his hometown's coat of arms helmet emblem
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John Hartle has a blue plaque in his hometown, Chapel-en-le-Frith.
