Derek “Nobby” Clark, who played a key role in capturing 17 world roadracing titles across multiple displacements over three decades, died December 16 after a long illness. He was 81.
Clark worked with some of the greatest riders including Hall of Famers Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Kel Carruthers and Kenny Roberts. In addition to the 17 FIM Grand Prix world titles that he earned in classes ranging from 50cc to 500cc, Clark contributed to winning three Daytona 200s, one Daytona 100, four Imola 200s and eight Italian championships.
“The American Motorcyclist Association extends its condolences to Nobby Clark’s family and friends,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “His results in the world of road racing placed him among the elite in his field.”
In 1960, high-school friend Gary Hocking got a ride with MV Agusta and hired Clark as his tuner. That year, Hocking was runner-up in 125, 250 and 350cc FIM World Championships. In 1961, he won the 350 and 500cc titles.
Clark went to work for the factory Honda team and Jim Redman, following Hocking’s death in a Formula One car crash in 1962. He stayed with Honda, where he worked with Hailwood, and then joined a Yamaha satellite team in 1971. In 1972, he joined the Yamaha factory team. His full biography can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Kevin Cameron reflects on the many accomplishments of Nobby Clark, who worked as a mechanic for many of Grand Prix motorcycle racing’s greatest riders.https://t.co/mw06uzt7VT
— Cycle World (@CycleWorldMag) December 20, 2017
