It will be the “last hoorah” for New Zealand’s multi-time former road-racing world champion Hugh Anderson when leaves again for Europe in a few days’ time.

The 80-year-old heads to the Sachenring circuit, near Chemnitz in Saxony, inside the former East Germany, where he will be a special guest of the promoters who will host the Kiwi living legend at the Sachenring Classic event on June 19-21.

It will be a treasured return to one of his old stomping grounds, the site of many of his Grand Prix victories in the early 1960s.

Anderson won four World Championships on 50cc and 125cc Suzuki’s at the dawn of the Grand Prix two stroke era, and, with 25 Grand Prix wins and 47 podium positions, he was, at the time of his retirement, the sixth most successful rider in the history of the World Championship series.

He went on to help Suzuki develop the motocross bike that delivered more world titles. And if that was not enough, Anderson went on to finish in the top four in more than 40 European International Motocross events.

During the 1990s, Anderson turned once more to classic racing, on this occasion riding the 1961 500cc Manx Norton he had purchased new on Wednesday, May 17, that year and won a major international event at the Tubbergen Holland the following Monday.

On this Dave Kenah-prepared, Kevin Grant-owned Norton, Hugh, at 63 years of age, gained second in the 1999 Australian Championship, beating the legendary twice World 500cc Champion Barry Sheene who was some 16 years his junior.

In January 2008 riding the same Norton, Hugh beat the current and twice Australian Champion on two occasions and made his fastest ever lap at the Pukekohe race track near Auckland. At the time, believe it or not, he was 72 years old.

(This black and white image shown here was taken at the 1964 Grand Prix at the Sachenring. Photo by Frank Bischoff)

Anderson will be welcomed back to Europe this month by up to 50,000 spectators at the Sachenring Classic, many of whom will no doubt be keen to purchase his recently-released book, “Being There”.

“It seems that I am the, or at least, one of, the guests of honour.  Actually I happy to be there but if they want to make a fuss that is okay,” Anderson smiled.

“I won for the first time there in 1963 and then won again at Sachenring in 1964,” he recalled.

“The schedule for my current trip is that I will be arriving in the United Kingdom on June 7 and taking part in and selling books at the Cholmodeley Pageant of Power, near Chester, on June 12-14 and then travelling to Germany for the Sachsenring Classic on June 19-21.”

On July 3-5, Anderson takes part in the major annual Classic Historic event of the year at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

“During this period I will be arranging a network of dealers and distributors to market the English version of my book.

Stocks of the New Zealand version of “Being There” are very low.

He said only about 60 copies of the book remain from the initial print run, although more will be printed.

Hugh Anderson’s autobiography, “Being There”

Alan Cathcart, arguably the best known of all international motorcycling journalists, wrote: “This is one of the best books of its kind that I have read. For Anderson’s career is a colossus of the sport, both on and off road. Sincere congratulations on compiling it.”

Mat Oxley’s review of Being There: “A brilliant description of 1960’s racing. We are lucky he survived because this is as honest and vivid account of 1960’s Grand Prix racing as you will ever read.”

Grant Roff, Editor Motorcycle Trader, Australasia: “The wording is absolutely gifted. How Hugh learnt the Isle of Man circuit is riveting. This is a must read. The title is prophetic, I really felt like I was there. This book won’t date, it will be as fresh for new readers in ten years’ time as it is now.”

Paul Owen, international journalist: “Hugh Anderson rode a technical knife edge. With his crystal clear recall, engaging the reader with a need to know. Reading it is a priceless experience.”

Ferry Brouwer, the renowned organiser of major European classic historic events and owner of Yamaha/Classic racing team: “What a book, what a work, what a memory and written in such a beautiful style. It feels so familiar, it has made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes.   Hugh, I applaud you for this masterpiece.”

Peter Drakeford, major events organiser for Motorcycling Australia: “It surpasses all other autobiographies I have read.”

Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Max Biaggi: What do these world champions have in common? Christchurch’s renowned Mike Sinclair was their chief engineer and a consultant during the development of the Magnificent Britten. “What a great book Hugh. Thank you for taking the time and the work to put it all down on paper, a great manual for future generations of kiwi riders. It’s nice to read such a good account by one of the very best.”

Paul Traecy, another leading engineer in Kenny Roberts’ team. Paul’s skilful contribution helped the team win four World Championships and he also contributed to the creation of The Britten. “Hugh is unquestionably one of New Zealand’s greatest living sportsmen.”

Ray Whitham, sports commentator: “The prologue is absolutely brilliant. I love your style and your way with words.”

Riders’ response:

Tommy Robb, Grand Prix winner: “One of the finest sports books I have ever read. Your intelligent approach to racing with a love story included, adds intrigue. I shall read it over and over again.”

Stu Avant, World Championship contender: “I’m feeling rather insignificant to be honest. It is such a great story and needed to be told. I now know I was okay, not great, in Europe thanks to your book!”

Stuart Graham: Isle of Man TT winner and European Touring car champion. “You have brilliantly conveyed to the reader the complexity of a real racer’s mind. I am also in awe of your amazing recall, a result, perhaps, of your incredible focus and also your legendary attention to detail.”

Readers’ reactions:

Ivan Rhodes: “Being There is of such a high standard it deserves to be submitted for an award.”

Dallas Rankine, International businessman and major sponsor of riders and motorcycling: “Your book is a fantastic read with so much detail. What a memory. I read all the ‘racer’ autobiographies but certainly enjoyed yours the most. I will read it again, I think, it is so good.”

Readers’ reactions continued:

“It is an amazing story of your life and achievements. Another of your gifts to us.”

“Congratulations on writing such a fascinating book. A wonderfully detailed history of your racing career. I could not put it down.”

“As I read this, at times tears come to my eyes. It contains so much of what I always wanted to know but have never seen.”

“An inspiration to competitors in any sport.”

“Excellent reading, your memory is incredible, what a story.”

“Fantastic, enjoyable, insightful. You have told your story superbly.   Thank you.”

“The title should be Zen and the Art of Motorcycle racing.”

“A well written and wonderfully compelling read. The most well illustrated and thoroughly enjoyable motorcycling book I have read. Your ability to focus on achieving your dream was inspirational. Thank you for sharing so much of your amazing life story with your readers.”

“Congratulations on a wonderful, well written, evocative and interesting tale. I am so pleased you have put pen to paper, so much history is lost because people don’t realise others would enjoy their story. An amazing read from an amazing kiwi.”

“Your description of how you learnt the Isle of Man is unsurpassed. To qualify fifth less than 4.6mph below the lap record, set by John Surtees on an MV Agusta, after just 12 laps practice, this is utterly incredible.”

“I don’t want it to end!! It’s such a fantastic book, so well written. What a wonderful memory you have.”

“1965, 33rd Milestone, Isle of Man. Couldn’t see a b** thing. Fog. Then you came through at speed. Unbelievable.”

“Read your book three times, great detail, the best yet.”

“The best book I have ever read. So remarkably correct. The human element so often lacking is to the fore in Hugh’s story.”

Journalists’ comments:

“Hugh Anderson’s brilliant riding, never say die courage and degree of professionalism was an example even to the Japanese.”

“1964 Ulster 125cc GP – Hugh’s bad start, crash and engine stalling problems during the first two laps of the race prompted him to produce a typically dashing display of utter invincibility.”

“1965 Isle of Man 125cc TT – Hugh Anderson’s progress was almost frightening on that desperate dash. A record and how!”

“1965 Monza – In heavy rain, the 125’s were wheeled out onto a flooded track. If only Hugh Anderson, never guilty of excessive restraint, could keep his Suzuki upright to win, the World Title was his. He won by over a lap.”

“1964 West German 125cc GP – Knocking the lap record silly, Hugh rode effortlessly around World Champions Phil Read and Jim Redman and immediately pulled away. Methodical, obsessive, dedicated. Qualities that helped him become four times World Champion.”

“Hugh Anderson, most devoted and professional of riders.”

“Hugh Anderson, gentleman and Champion, made a clean sweep in the world’s most prestigious historic races, making him the unofficial 1990l Classic World Champion.”

Some Chapter Headings:

Risk stimulates your very core and the courage it carries sharpens the knowledge of ourselves.

Lap records and World Championship points.

Having a contract with two factories, realised ambition, but terminated a dream.

By accepting death, you lose the fear of it.

Facing down an angry Belgium copper, who had a pistol pointed at my head.

The report of a radiologist, your foot is fine, but your leg is broken.

Suddenly, the scream of sirens and being surrounded by heavily armed military police. I had no idea we were so important.

Ken McIntosh says:

Legendary Kiwi bike engineer Ken McIntosh had this to offer:

“Hugh Anderson helped change my life! An 18 year old building a methanol fuelled 1000cc Vincent race bike would be cause for concern for most people, but Hugh was totally supportive.

“After reading his book, I can now understand how he saw my youthfulness as being no impediment. He knew all about being young and following a dream! Who could ask for a better tutor than a four-times World Champion?

“In Hugh’s book he has shared the secrets that made him the best in the world for a long period of time, and exactly how he got there.

“Hugh track tested my Hailwood Trophy winning Manx Norton before it was boxed up to send to the Isle of Man for (fellow Kiwi) Bruce Anstey to ride in 2013 and 2014.

“He told me it would do a 108 mph lap and it did!

“Reading his book you gain some understanding of how differently a World Champion focuses on people, machinery and events. It is certainly worth reading!”

Hugh Anderson can be contacted at hughanderson@clear.net.nz

© Main photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

B&W archive photo by Frank Bischoff

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