Pat Hennen, R.I.P.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ย. 2024
- Pat Hennen, The First American to Win a Grand Prix, Has Died at the age of 70.
Hennen became the first American racer to win a Grand Prix race when he won at Imatra in 1976-famously the FIM didn't have a copy of the American national anthem to play on the loudspeakers after Hennen's first win.
When Kenny Roberts went to Europe in 1978, he thought that his main rival for the title would be Barry Sheene. Instead, it was Sheene's "teammate" Hennen that Roberts was racing against most weekends.
"Tragedy" is an over-used word in racing today but Hennen's career-ending crash at the Isle of Man TT can only be viewed as a definite tragedy even without the horrible backstories as to why he was forced to race the TT when he was fully capable of winning the world championship in 1978. In fact, he and Roberts were separated by only a few points in the championship when Hennen was forced to race the ultra-dangerous TT.
Hennen suffered a major TBI (traumatic brain injury) in a fast crash on the Island. Over the years a number of stories circulated as to why Hennen crashed-the most popular story was that he was struck by a bird (taking the blow on his helmet) and fell at high speed. After numerous bird strikes at Phillip Island over the last 20 years it's pretty clear that a bird did not cause Hennen's injury, unless it was a Pterodactyl.
Hennen himself had no memory of the crash. The other person involved, Tom Herron, died in 1979.
Years later an eyewitness came forward and said Herron and Hennen collided forcing Hennen to crash.
Later in his life he was able to talk about the politics of the Suzuki team but he never lay blame where most suspected it should be placed when talking about the circumstances of how he was pressured into racing at the IOM TT. (Suzuki UK pulled his GP transporter but said he could have it back if he raced the IOM TT for them. Without a transporter he would not have the support that teammate Barry Sheene had and Hennen's mechanics would be back to working out of a glorified van. So he raced the Isle of Man. )
That Hennen, who was the fastest and most experienced American rider at the time of his crash, ended up disabled and struggling after being forced to race the IOM TT because of dirty team politics ... this, truly, is a tragedy.
Thanks for a well documented tribute to Pat Hennan. A great rider who did very well in what was a golden period for motorcycle racing. RIP Pat
That era certainly was a golden period.
Thanks for this well presented story of Pat Hennan. R.I.P. Pat
Thank you. 👍
great video, thanks Manxmann, ex pat here in NZ, always loved the TT in the 70s when I was there, RIP Pat,
Thank you. Do you have any road racing there in NZ?
Yes road racing quite popular prob the most famous is wanganui at Boxing Day ( day after Christmas) been going since 1953 Plenty of Track racing too we love motorcycling down here remember the Britten made here!
I had 2 Britten tee shirts. Gave one away and the other disappeared. Loved them. @karlvanboxel561
Thanks again for a well presented work very talented rider and fantastic group of friends in his support circle
Rip
Thank you. I'm sure he could have continued being successful for many years, if it wasn't for the unfortunate accident here on the IOM.
I met Pat at Ron Grant's shop, he made pipes for my 250 Penton/KTM. A friend of mine worked with Pat at the San Francisco International Airport workshops. RIP I do remember all the news reports at the time saying he had hit a bird. Depending on the trajectory and speed, a bird strike could certainly cause a serious head injury and crash.
Was Pat quite mobile during his time at Ron Grants?
@@Manxmann That was 1974/5 before his accident. I only very briefly saw Pat once after his accident, and I didn't really know him. Thanks for the video, I had forgotten how good of a roadracer he was, makes me curious about his previous history.
Well done, very informative. “behind the scenes antics” have a lot to answer for....RIP
Great tribute, Such memories we are fortunate to have from a special era in motorcycle racing.
Thank you. It was a truly golden era. Lots of memories were made.
Only heard snippets of that original story.... great to hear the full story from your good self. May he rest in peace.
Yes, I was surprised politics came into it back then.
Nice job MM, I vividly remember the Sheen/Hennen battles in the seventies, I also remember hearing of the horrendous crash that ended Pat Hennen's career. I think your choice of words are very accurate for that era in racing, there were so many horrendously "dodgy" decisions made in those days, some of which, sadly, ended riders lives. As you mentioned early on, "it couldn't happen these days", and that at least is something to be thankful for. Take care.
Thank you. Yes, sadly, Hennens' injuries ended his career, while Sheen after falling off a mile from the start, never came back to the TT claiming it was too dangerous . That was in 1971 on a 125 of course.
@@Manxmann It put the fear of God up Sheene, he was there with his Dad, and I think he may have had some input into that decision being made! Frank was never backward in coming forward! An expert 2 stroke tuner too.
@@ManxmannI take it from your comments that you don't like Barry Sheene. I wonder if it is to do with him not racing at the TT and ultimately getting it removed from the GP race programme. There were a lot of people with this view of Sheene at the time but he was proved to be correct in his thinking.😊
Hi there.how I remember it at the time Barry Sheene didn't want Pat Hennen on equal equipment and he saw Pat as a threat to his winning and financial earnings.
This is the best use for a channel in TH-cam: share the history and real events and memories and let us to know about. Thanks very much!
By the way, Rest in peace Pat Hennen.
Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated.
Thank you for the tribute video.
I saw Barry Sheene and Kenny Roberts race several times but never saw Pat Hennen although I knew his name very well because people were still talking about him in the press and at the races after his crash.
I did not know that he was the first American rider to win a Grand Prix. In the couple of decades that I attended race meetings around the UK, it was mostly Americans at the top of the leaderboard. How things have changed now. RIP Pat.
Richard
Thank you, Richard. Indeed, things have changed a lot.
Nice production manxman, i always liked pat hennen more so than barry sheene, stylish and fast and looked the part on that suzuki, sub 20 min lap = 114 ish mph lap, no mean feat on his first tt visit,.he was up for a 2nd place behind tom herron, i thought he crashed because he clipped a kerb while dicing with herron ? never heard what tom had to say about the incident,. 1978 was my last year of 3 mgp's,. cheers ,.
I remember the clipping curb theory, but I think that was after the two touched.
I was there on the Island in 1978, i always remember this, i always thought Pat had more talent than Barry Sheene, Rest in Peace Pat
Thanks for the update , very sad news indeed, great rider and lovely chap , yes various rumours regarding the incident at Bishopscourt , the skeet I heard at the time was that the accident was caused by impaired vision as a huge insect splatter was found to be on his visor , but that was prior to the information you have revealed in this video , also Takazumi Katayma pulled out of the race and stopped to help " had to research spelling there" too difficult for a Surby fella , hope that you are feeling better now, kind regards Arnie .....
Cheers, Arnie. I'm doing ok. On a waiting list for treatment from Liverpool University Hospital. The health services have gone to hell.
Thanks for this I was lucky enough to meet Pat at Ballaugh after a breakdown in evening practice, found him very personable and modest
Must have been great to meet Pat in person. The memory will last forever. .
Thank you for being so informative regarding the "Pat" story, I only knew of the bird strike version. I went to the Island between 72/80 each year with 78 being the exception. I can recall being ecstatic that Mike won on his comeback on the Duke and then hearing about Pat put things in perspective. One thing that does stick in my mind was the smell of wild garlic around that section of the course. The first political thing I can remember was our local Little Giant Bill Ivy, and Read even typing his name gives me the hump. Once again thank you.
This year has seen the passing of two Suzuki Legends. Garry.A.Taylor Manager, and now Rider Pat Hennen. Both were at that IOM TT 1978 meeting. Both will never to be forgotten. R.I.P.
I met Pat at United Airlines about 8 years ago. What a gracious man he was. I bought a picture of him and asked if he would autograph it. He said yes. The moment he saw the picture, he knew exactly where it was taken. I think that might be one of the last times that he signed anything. His eyes and face lit up when he started to talk about motorcycles. He confided in me about the little things he did that wasn’t exactly “legal”. We had a good laugh about it.
Lovely comment. You are lucky to be told some of his secrets. 😉.
I met Pat in 1977, I still have his autographed photo. He was racing for Suzuki at Olivers Mount Scarborough. The team were based at Dowsons Motorcycle shop in the town.
Very interesting tribute. Thank you your respectful thoughts. Perhaps the Brits appreciate Pat Hennen more than his own countrymen.
Thankyou. He was something special on two wheels.
I was spectating at Braden church that day of the accident. RIP Pat.
@@Cub-Guy oops!
So Suzuki wanted Pat to race at the TT, I'm surprised it wasn't in his contract. Unfortunately this was common in the day. Barry Sheene took a lot of stick refusing to ride at the TT. He was proved right when it was taken away from the GP race programme. Pat and Barry were both great racers and from what I've heard, good friends. RIP.
Sheen did take a lot of stick, but I think he dropped his 125 at the Quarter Bridge on purpose in 1971 due to concerns about the dangers.
RIP Pat Hennen... Thank you for the information.
Thank you. 👍
Wow!! What a shock to hear of Pat’s passing. I first met Pat at United Airlines where we both worked. He was a very polite and gracious person. His movements were kind of herky jerky. But that was due to his accident at the IOM. I visited him on several occasions. And we talked about motorcycles. Once he started talking about motorcycles… I saw his face light up and his memory was razor sharp. He talked about his early days in racing. He leaned closer and quietly talked about the early days. He said he didn’t want anyone to know about his secrets. But he started talking about things happening like they happened yesterday. He told me secrets about rules he had broken. I assured him that those were our secrets. I went and bought an old picture of him and asked him to sign it. Which he did. He was also a devout Christian. I cherished the times that we talked. God s😅
You must treasure those memories of meeting him. I wonder who the dirty racer could have been. 😉
Excellent video. good memories of the good old days. thank you sir and RIP pat.
Thank you.
Was a fan at the time, got his autograph at the TT that year, and was gutted at what happened. Such a lovely guy RIP Pat #3
No one can take away your memory of meeting him.
Very sad. To hear the pass of Pat Hennen, sorry many don’t like but Pat was beating Barry Sheene,I seen in person at Brands,Silverstone, very talented shame the TT finish his career,same as Provini R.I.P. thanks for the remember him
Thanks for your comment. Yes, provini was part of the elite in the late 50's , early 60's. Pat Hennen was a more superior racer than Sheen, in my opinion.
@@ManxmannHis name is Sheene and he was a two time 500GP World Champion. In my opinion they were both great racers capable of beating each other on a given day.
Thanks for this ,very interesting,i watched most of the 78 TT from just before the start line at Greenfield Rd,where the old folks home is now,First TT ,so didnt know much , still going after 46 visits to the Island.
Keep visiting while you can.👍
Absolutely. , a decent & unusually quite American , legend of a rider. RIP 🙌
Good tribute to a very talented rider, saw him race at Mallory Park, and give Barry a good run for his money. R.I.P. Pat hennen
Thank you. I think he would have continued giving Sheene a run for his money if it wasn't for the accident.
You forgot to mention that Hennen was the first man to lap the TT under 20 minutes, 114 mph.
You're right. I was sure I mentioned he claimed the first sub 120 mph lap on the TT course. Can't find it now though. My mistake.
At 11:27 You did.
Thank you, Big Foot. 👍
I had a bird strike on my visor at about 70 mph. It was a Pigeon. Nearest I could liken it to was being hit in the face with a sledgehammer. Knocked me senseless for a few seconds; managed to stop the bike and fell over as I came to a standstill.
So, yes I can believe that a bird strike could cause a serious racing accident.
PS. I was at the TT in 1978 when Pat had his accident.Takazumi Katayama, who was holding a good position in the race, stopped to assist Hennen. A truly selfless act.
Never realised Zooming Tazi raced on the Island as well.
@@paulc2130
1976 & 1978.
He finished 2nd in the 1976 Lightweight 250 race.
I was there both years. He was extremely popular with the spectators.
well spoken thanks
Thank you.
Yes I do remember him. I am sorry for the loss. Sir R.I.P
A great rider, condolences to Ari and all the family.
Pat was not a newcomer to the TT, having finished 5th in Senior Race 77 but retiring in the Classic 77. He seemed to enjoy the TT that year and was certainly an impressive newcomer. So whilst he may have had pressure put on him to race the IOM in 78 , he had that previous experience behind him.
I met Pat at Brands he was with Texaco Heron with Barry and Steve Parish, I was a child at the time but they treated me really well, even let me sit in Barry's caravan with them and Steph. I wrote to Pat, as did lots of people after the accident, great rider and true gentleman. RIP Pat.
That's how memories are made. 👍
I’m very sorry to learn of Pat’s passing. I saw him race and win at a meeting at Brands Hatch that must have been immediately before the ‘78 TT. The news of his serious crash was made even more shocking by the fact the driver and passenger of the outfit that I think won a sidecar race at that same Brands meeting were both killed in the TT. I think that really brought it home to me that the TT was serious business. I’m happy with riders choosing to ride of their own free will but the idea that someone could be forced to ride there against that free will is just horrifying.
We all know the TT course shows very little or no mercy. He knew what to expect on the Isle of Man, as Im sure Barty Sheen told him about the dangers. The problem was that Suzuki wanted a win and held a knife at his throat.
I love that Hennen had a similar design on his helmet as the late 70s and early 80s racers like Spencer, Merkel, and Cooley.
I hope the people involved in the decision that caused him to race at the TT have some sleepless nights over that; Rest In Peace, Pat Hennen...😢
I'm sure they did. I hope Suzuki bosses called for an inquiry, too.
I saw him racing in the TT and was very impressed considering that at the time American circuit racers in the UK were few and far between.
Such a shame, so talented. Am also thinking of Peter Williams.
Transatlantic Trophy Easter meetings was a must. Those 750 Harleys could really shift and were reliable.
He made an impression on many people, Mike. Also, let's not forget he was the first to do a sub-20 minite lap here.
Another thing I forgot to mention is his accident at the IOM. Several people had warned him about another racer that was a “dirty” racer. But he raced anyway. And we know what happened. It was a real a real pleasure talking to Pat. We all will miss him
Great job Mr Manxman.
Thanks Bill.
Shows how ruthless suzkie were and how they cared more about publicity than the riders shame on you suzkie u.k
God rest your soul pat
Ruthless indeed, Paul. Although their baby, Barry Sheen, could do no wrong in their eyes.
What's with all the knocking Barry Sheene?
He worked hard to become a double 500GP World Champion.
Like a lot of wheel racing collisions a-cure and change their life cycle my respect to those we’ve lost
Respect indeed.
A great rider, RIP mate.
Hello ! I am french. I was Friend von pat evans and pat hennen, races in Europe. Have you some documentation of pat evans ??? Thanks !
Hi. In 1976 Evans made his debut in the world championship.[3] The first race he took part in was the French Grand Prix, racing the Bugatti Circuit in the 250 class. Evans qualified second[5] but on the day of the race he was accused by Eric Offenstadt and Bernard Fau of racing with a 350 cc machine. The two French riders tried to chase him off the grid.[3][5] Evans had only used a 350 during Friday practice, whilst waiting for the arrival of the 250, to familiarise himself with the circuit.[3] He had told other rider, who raised no objections, but had failed to notify the stewards. As there was no evidence that he had used a 350 during Saturday's qualifying, the stewards gave the green light for him to race. Evans retired on lap 5 due to a mechanical problem.[5] At the Bol d'Or he dominated for the first three quarters of an hour setting the lap record, but due to mechanical problems with the Yamaha TZ700 was forced to retire. At the 400 miles of Thruxton he was co-rider with Jean-Claude Chemarin, replacing the injured Christian Leon. On a works Honda 941, Chemarin/Evans finished second, just one minute behind Christian Huguet and Roger Ruiz,
Sadly, he had a very short career. He crashed in Bologna during the 1977 season, resulting in his death 3 days later.
God bless you Pat ,top lad from the states that took on the island x
And the first to do a sub 20 minute lap of the 37. 75-mile course.
@@Manxmann yes sir and especially if he didnt really want to be there
I remember a picture that a chap had up in work, of Pat wheeliing a Honda CB900F with the bars crossed up, the rear tyre spinning and smoking and his face clearly seen through a clear visor, with not an ounce of concern evident.
Cool would be an understatement.
It always amazes me just how crossed up the bars can be when the front wheel comes up. Better get straightened before the wheel comes back down. 😉
I wasn't aware of the story that he was forced to race on the island in '78? He raced in '77 at the TT and so understood the nature of racing there, so he must have expressed a desire not to race if they had to force him?
Having said that, he obviously took to it, and when I saw him he appeared to be enjoying himself?
Great video god speed Pat
Thanks, Rob.
RIP PAT
❤ RIP❤
Wow I never heard about a bird strike. In fact, I’ve often thought about how the Island deals with other animals. Dogs,cats,sheep, do they have Deer there?
Sometimes, a dog gets onto the course, due to its owners negligence. Very rarely though, and it results in a court appearance for the owner. A horse jumped a fence onto the course at Ballaugh once, resulting in an irish rider and the horse being killed. This year, we are concerned about the growing number of wallabies in the north of the island, venturing onto the course during racing. There has been a risk for a few years, but only addressed now. Also, Nick Crowes' career ended when a hare crossed his path and caused the sidecar outfit to flip. So, while bird strikes do happen , there are other dangers that can cause disaster.
RIP Pat I remember you from your days down under where you graced our shop and workshop with your presence along with other greats such as Ron Grant, Graheme Crosby etc
I love racing & I’m getting on now, my era was the Hailwood years, but The TT as it has become in my opinion is FAR to dangerous 😔just saying 🏁🇬🇧
Thank you for your fair comment. Many do agree that its becoming far to dangerous. Yet, I believe every competitor taking part, races the TT course because they can't experience anything else like it. And while I respect everyones personal opinion of the event, I also respect the wish and desire for anyone to take part as long as they have achieved the required licences and are willing to take the time to learn the course as much as possible before going full guns blazing. We can make the TT safer, but never completely safe.
Having been actively Watching Races firstly in 1978 (post TT) meeting at Mallory Park I was unfortunate therefore not to have seen PH race. I have all relevant literature from the time so I knew what the Politics behind him having to Race were & they are disgusting to say the least. An extremely strong chance he would have been first American World Champion, Not Kenny Roberts, As Pat knew the circuits from his 76/77 campaigns.
Godspeed & RIP Pat, Hope you're pestering Barry up there........
Thank you for your comment. I'm sure he will be giving Barry a nose rubbing now and again. 😉
Thanks for the well considered video.
Chip Hennen has also confirmed that after the accident he was informed by the TT organisers that a bird strike caused the accident despite there being no evidence of this on the returned helmet, it can only be assumed this was an attempt to deflect from the real cause of the accident which might have been detrimental to the TT.
Thank you for your comment.
He never got credit anywhere . Not even here in the States
Sad to hear the states didn't recognise his talent.
SORRY Sir i can hardly hear you .
You might need to turn or slide a volume control, sir ...
A bit redundant ,but appreciated vid.
Thank you.👍
Sheene used to be my hero growing up until I meet him at the transatlantic races one Easter. He was a brilliant racer but not a poetical nice guy. I found him a bit of a bragger and a bit arrogant.
I always remember when Suzuki signed Pat, Sheene said, "If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys." He wasn't prepared to play 2nd fiddle to Hennen.
As a two time 500GP World Champion for Suzuki why would he be '2nd fiddle' in their team? 😂
Because Hennen and Roberts were better riders, of course. 🤣
Now boys let's play nice and say whilst they were both on top of there game there personally were some what different and one mans opinion is his own choice so what good to one my not be the same for all god bless those rider who are nolonger with us and any one who losses there lives in future 😇😇😇
Don''t Say ' forced' -Ultimately, the Choice was his.
I will say forced, in the circumstances he was faced with .
@@Manxmann I Simply Don’t Recall a Knife to his Throat…
Problem with your ‘Theory’ is that you’re Denying Pat the Right to have been Good Enough to have Raced the TT - ‘forced’ Suggests that he was Pushed into Something that he wasn’t Skilled enough for or Ready for - which is Fallacy - as he had Immense Talent and was Certainly Worthy of the TT Race Risk.
Isn't the threat of withdrawal of team support a means of forcing him to compete against his wishes?
@@Manxmann do You just Roll Over whenever you feel Threatened?
Thing is Pat was Easily Good Enough to be Snatched Up by Another Team if he Walked Away form the D*kcs he was Racing for - it's Not like he was Desperate for a Drive and Team Suzuki was his Only Option or Face Retirement - Teams would have Jumped at the Opportunity to Sign him.
He should have Walked Away from those who Clearly didn't Respect him and Joined another Team with a Brighter Disposition Towards Racing.
Sad loss Great and talented man RIP Pat
🤩🇺🇸👍⚖️👁️👁️⚖️👍🏁🏁🏁🏁
Saw pat at brands hatch win .beat barry
I liked Pat Hennen, great racer
Liked by many. So sad his career ended abruptly. He would have been world champion many times, possibly..