Peter Williams 1939-2020
Racer, engineer and pioneer of disc brakes for bikes
Renowned racer and engineer Peter Williams has passed away. Son of famous AJS engineer Jack Williams, Peter enjoyed a distinguished career as a rider before becoming an acclaimed engineer where he was responsible for pioneering a range of technology that is now commonplace in modern motorcycling.
After starting his career on the British circuits, his first notable win came in 1964 when he won the Thruxton 500 on a 250cc AJS. In 1965 he made his Isle of Man TT debut and was in the running for a podium in the Senior before being hit by mechanical failure. He still secured his first TT podium in the 250cc race. He continued to race at the TT until 1973, culminating in victory in the Formula 750 race, beating Mick Grant and Tony Jefferies onboard a JPS Norton. By the end of his TT career he’d secured a total of seven second places. He was also the winner of the NW200 500cc race in 1966.
His Grand Prix career was as equally distinguished, racing predominantly in the 350cc and 500cc classes. His best season was in 1967 when he claimed a brilliant fourth place overall in the 500c class onboard an Arter
Matchless. His one and only Grand Prix race win came at the Ulster GP in 1971 in the 350cc class.
His spell as an employee at Norton from 1969 saw him fulfil a unique role as he was not only a factory rider but also a bike designer. His career was cut short in 1974 when he was injured at Oulton Park, but his influence on motorcycling continued.
Due to his intimate understanding of racing he went on to pioneer new technology including cast wheels and disc brakes and more recently was involved in carbon monocoque chassis design for high-profile projects.