Four-times World Champion Kork Ballington became the latest and 28th MotoGP legend at Phillip Island, inducted to the Hall of Fame in a Friday ceremony.
The Zimbabwe-born South African, now resident in Australia, won consecutive double 250/350 titles on a factory Kawasaki in 1978 and 1979. A move to the 500 class on the innovative monocoque-chassis Kawasaki, however, proved less rewarding for the bespectacled rider.
“What an occasion. This is fantastic. I am humbled,” he said. “For starters, I’m honoured, because Randy (Mamola) flew all the way from California to see me. I’m amongst friends, this is my fraternity. To be put alongside the 27 other fantastic riders is an honour and a privilege.”
Mamola was himself awarded Legend status at the Americas GP earlier this year. The list includes luminaries from Giacomo Agostini to Franco Uncini, include greats such as Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey, Freddie Spencer, Barry Sheen and Casey Stoner, among a roll call of historic heroes.
Dani Pedrosa is to be inducted at the Valencia GP, that will close the former 125 and double 250-champion’s illustrious career.
By Michael Scott
Photos GnG
