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'Sox' Roger Hughes

'Sox' By Roger Hughes

'Sox' by Roger Hughes


18,49 $
Condition - Very Good
Only 3 left

Summary

Until now, Gary Hocking was the only World Motorcycle Champion of his era without a book dedicated to his life. This book reveals Gary's life in Rhodesia, how he was helped to become a World Champion, his dedication, and retirement at a young age - and the accident that cost him his life.

'Sox' Summary

'Sox': Gary Hocking the Forgotten World Motorcycle Champion by Roger Hughes

I had never heard of Gary Hocking until I discovered his grave in a cemetary in Wales. On looking-up his name, my jaw dropped. I had heard of Geoff Duke, and Mike Hailwood, and John Surtees. Yet Hocking had raced against them all, and eventually became double World Champion.I was fascinated to learn of his retirement, at an early stage in his career, and to learn, later, that the explanation so often given for this was far removed from the real reason. Gary's decision to move to car racing because it was safer, only to be killed in a car is a tragic end to the story, and the many suggestions as to how the accident happened are explored.This book is a positive celebration of Gary 'Sox' Hocking's life and career, and the stories, from those that knew him, reveal how he went from riding a motorbike to work, to becoming World Champion - a riveting story, made more so by being told by those who were close to him.With photos covering Hocking's early career, racing Nortons in South Africa, through to his final motorcycle ride, at the 1962 Isle of Man TT - a win which was, in many ways, so important to him - this book is a fitting tribute to a forgotten champion.

'Sox' Reviews

this short book with its nice selection of photos does a good job of filling an important gap in books on world champions. Bike Rider Magazine This is an easy to read and entertaining book, and is a fitting tribute to a man who, as the title suggests, is largely forgotten Old Bike Australasia There is only enough room to touch on Roger's moving and comprehensive work here - but believe me, it's brilliant, with two separate 16-page blocks of glossy black and white photographs ... I would recommend it to every Old Bike Mart reader. Old Bike Mart this book is a fitting tribute to a forgotten champion. Jonathan Hill - freelance Hughes has done a superb job in redressing the lack of a book on Hocking and produced a riveting read (based on fact) that has you turning page after page, totally engrossed. This book is a fitting tribute to a forgotten champion who quite rightly will now be remembered. Ian Kerr This is a thoroughly fascinating and interesting book about a long forgotten champion and I thoroughly recommend it. On The Level A fitting tribute to a forgotten champion IRDC Quattro. Author Roger Hughes has really done his homework in speaking with most of those involved with Gary in his racing career on two wheels and four. He writes well and clearly has a feel for racing as it was nearly 60 years ago. . - BRDC Bulletin. Gary Hocking tried to give way to death when, in 1962, he cornered the Senior TT in which the Australian Tom Phillips (Honda) died, decided to move tot eh automobile competition, more secure to his appearance. At that tine, this young and charismatic pilot from Wales, the great British promise of the time, had already won the 350cc and 500cc World Championship in 1961, in addition to the 125cc, 250cc and 350cc sub championships in 1960, and the 250cc in 1959. Its trajectory was unstoppable. Today is a perfect unknown for fans. This autobiography of Roger Hughes is the first dedication to Sox Hocking (plotted without wearing that garment), a race broker who won titles with MZ and MV Augusta, and whose meteoric career ended suddenly, at twenty-five, on board a Lotus-Climax V8 in the free runs of the 1962 Christmas Grand Prix. - La Moto.

About Roger Hughes

Roger Hughes is a TV and radio sports broadcaster with over forty years experience. He has worked as Sports Editor at BBC Radio Merseyside, one of the largest local BBC stations in the UK, Radio Five Live, and after leaving the BBC, Sky television. It was while Roger was at BBC Radio Merseyside, that he produced documentaries about the Isle of Man TT, and soon gained an affection for the motor cycling fraternity. Moving to South Wales, he came across the Gary Hocking story, a gripping tale which needed to be told.

Table of Contents

Foreword: To the late Gary Hocking MBE - A tribute by John Wells1 The early years2 A helping hand3 The tracks and the bikes4 Off to Europe5 The big red fire engines6 Joining MV7 The champion8 Isle of Man TT9 The beginning of the end10 Life without bikes11 The final lap12 The legacyList of Gary Hocking's races, compiled by Gary Hocking and sent to Reg DeardenRaces in South Africa after returning from Europe1961 Summer Series in South AfricaGary Hocking's record in major car racesI would like to thank the following ...Bibliography

Additional information

GOR008834787
9781845848620
1845848624
'Sox': Gary Hocking the Forgotten World Motorcycle Champion by Roger Hughes
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Veloce Publishing Ltd
20160415
176
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - 'Sox'