Czech Grand Prix

CZECH GRAND PRIX

THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME the Czech Grand Prix counted for world championship points. Held on the twisty 8.66mile Brno circuit, it was attended by over 300.000 spectators who saw close racing with record laps in all classes.

Highlight of the 125 race was a record lap by Hugh Anderson (Suzuki) at 88.99 mph, as he was still limping from a scrambles injury two weeks before. Then with a 20-second lead on the last lap and the checkered flag almost in sight, his engine misfired, leading to a series of incidents that ended in a crash. Looking very sheepish about the whole thing, he waved team partner Frank Perris on to his second GP win in eight days.

After his very decisive win in the East German G.P. the week before, Jim Redman came determined to stay in the 250cc title fight with a win over the Yamaha camp. However, this was not to be. Try as he might, he could not hold off the rotary valve twins with his overhead cam six-cylinder. Jim Redman led on the Honda for three laps with the tw'o Yamahas of Duff and Read hard on his heels. First the Canadian Duff got by the Honda ace only to be repassed, then both the Yamaha riders forced by as these three screamed away from the rest of the field. Duff led most of the remainder of the race with Read second and Redman third. On the last lap Duff eased off slightly, “clue to brake fade,” at which point Read pulled by to win his sixth race in this year’s championship series.

The 350cc race proved to be a Redman benefit after the young Agostini crashed his MV trying to catch the Honda four, and Hailwood blew his engine. Redman lapped all but the next three riders; second place again went to Derek Woodman on his 251cc MZ.

Due to oil leaking on his rear tire Hailwood had a very hair-raising ride in the 500 race hut was still able to beat Agostini on the other MV, the only worthwhile opposition. In winning this race, Hailwood set a new record of having won the 500cc world championship four years running. •