From the Classic Racer archive

Two great moments from racing’s past that typify what we're about. Both iconic moments captured by two of the world’s best motorcycle racing photographers. Each image is a snapshot of a much bigger story that shaped the racing world to come.

CORNER: GERRARDS // YEAR: 1978 // TRACK: MALLORY PARK // PAT HENNEN TRIES TO BREAK AWAY FROM KENNY ROBERTS

Pat Hennen was on something of a roll at this event. He was the top point scorer in thetransatlantic Trophy in 1978; two years before he had become the first American to win a Grand Prix in 1976 (Imatra, Finland – it was his debut GP year) and at this moment in time, as the picture was taken, nobody could get close. Following, going into Gerrards, is Kenny Roberts. His 750Yamaha forced to suck in great mechanical lungfuls of exhaust from the 652 Suzuki ahead. Kenny went on to win the race (despite the sunshine, it was cold) which grated on Pat somewhat. It was an unfitting final outing for Hennen at the Leicestershire circuit before the Isle of MANTT crash in the Senior a matter of weeks later, that would end his career.