Fujii-san remembered

Dear CR It is a pity Bruce Cox forgot Kawasaki’s first factory rider, the late Toshio Fujii. With this rider and the water-cooled 125 Kawasaki Simmonds rode later, Kawasaki started as a factory-team in the World Championship in 1966, beginning with Hockenheim in May. Unlike Simmonds, who started with this bike later as a privateer, 1966 had been a real factory effort by Kawasaki with a complete team operating at the European GPS. Unfortunately, the competition in the 125cc class that year, with factory teams from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha, was so strong, that Fujii didn’t get a single point in the championship. And it became worse, as he crashed in practice at the 1966 TT on August 26 and died afterwards. Fujii’s disaster was Simmonds’ luck, as Dave got his chance with the Kawasaki at the Japan GP late that year. The following part of history is well described by Bruce Cox. Enclosed you’ll find a private photo, made at practice for the East German GP 1966, showing Fujii in thoughtful mood. He shouldn’t be forgotten in motorcycle history! Manfred Woll Email