Read and Redman; former rivals return to Spa-Francorchamps

After nine nailbiting laps at the 8.7 mile long circuit Redman beat his rival with 0.4 seconds in an unforgettable 250 race. It wasn't the first battle between Honda ace Redman and Read on his Yamaha and it would not be the last. A year before their Spa-Francorchamps fight Read won the 250 world title with just four points more to his credit than Redman. The two of them became absolute road racing icons who earned their place in history. Read eventually won seven world championships in three different classes – and adds his TT Formula 1 on the Isle of Man to his impressive list of successes. Redman was crowned champ six times in 250 and 350. A rerun of their 1965 battle is unlikely to happen at this year's Bikers' Classics, but for sure Read and Redman will find some time to talk about that special race.

It will not be Read's first visit to the Bikers' Classics in Spa-Francorchamps. The 71 year old enjoyed wins and rostrum finishes in Belgium. He won the the 250 cc race in 1968 on a two-stroke Yamaha and manhandled the big MV Agusta four-stroke to victory in 1974 and 1975. Read has a total of nine Belgian rostrum finishes to his credit. MBE Read retired from GP racing after the 1977 season. He was riding a Suzuki then and he will be re-united with the Japanese bike, provided by Suzuki fanatic Steve Wheatman.

He will turn 79 next August, but Jim Redman has no intention of not travelling to Francorchamps from his home in Durban. British born Redman still is a popular regular at European Classic Race meets. Redman is a double 250 winner in Francorchamps and finished on the podium on a 125 as well, making it a total of seven Francorchamps rostrums. He will ride a Honda 250 at this year's event. Rightfully so, because the late Mike Hailwood and Jim Redman were two of Honda's top riders in the Sixties. Redman secured all his 45 GP wins and six world titles on Honda machinery.