Ralph Bryans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ralph Bryans |
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Ralph Bryans demonstrating a Honda in 2008
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| Nationality | British | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 7 March 1941 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
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| Died | 6 August 2014 (aged 73) Scotland |
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Ralph Bryans (born March 7, 1941 – died August 6, 2014) was a famous motorcycle racer from Northern Ireland. He competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, which is the highest level of motorcycle road racing. Ralph Bryans was the only person from Ireland to become a Grand Prix world champion. He won the 50cc title in 1965 while riding for the Honda team.
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Ralph Bryans' Racing Journey
Ralph Bryans started riding motorcycles when he was just sixteen years old. He worked as an apprentice fitter and began riding a BSA Bantam. His first race was the 1959 Tandragee 100, where he rode a borrowed Ambassador 199cc bike.
Early Wins and Progress
In 1960, Ralph put a 150cc Triumph Terrier engine into his Bantam frame. This helped him win the 1960 Irish 200cc Championship. This was a great start to his racing career!
For the 1961 season, Ralph moved up to a more powerful 350cc Manx Norton motorcycle. This bike was provided by his sponsor, James Wilson. Ralph learned a lot by racing alongside experienced riders like Tommy Robb.
Joining the Big Races
In 1962, Ralph Bryans entered the famous Isle of Man TT race for the first time. Later that year, he raced in the Ulster Grand Prix. He finished ninth in the 350cc class and tenth in the 500cc class.
In December 1962, Ralph made plans to ride Joe Ryan Nortons for the 1963 season. During this time, another famous racer, Jim Redman, noticed Ralph's talent at the Ulster Grand Prix.
Riding for Honda
Ralph Bryans first rode for Bultaco in Spain. However, he soon got an amazing offer from Honda to ride their factory bikes in 1964. This was a big step up for his career!
In 1964, Ralph did very well. He finished second in the 50cc class and third in the 125cc races at the Isle of Man TT.
Becoming a World Champion
The year 1965 was Ralph Bryans' best year. He won three races and finished second twice. This amazing performance helped him win the 50cc world championship for the Honda factory racing team. This made him a world champion!
Ralph Bryans passed away at his home in Scotland on August 6, 2014, at the age of 72. He is remembered as a true racing legend.
See also
In Spanish: Ralph Bryans para niños
