Reg Everett

Reg Everett sadly passed away on November 3 following a prolonged illness. He was 78 years old. As an unknown club racer, he approached Greeves in 1961 and asked for works backing, which was not forthcoming. However, they agreed to supply him with one of their motocross engines, which Reg fitted into a modified Greeves road bike frame. This was the prototype racer that gave birth to the successful Silverstone. He powered it to victory in his first race on it at Brands Hatch on April 1, 1962. He rode a Silverstone in the 1964 250cc Isle of Man TT, finishing eighth and was the first British bike home. However, Reg was best known for his exploits on Ted Broad’s Yamaha TD1A, on which he achieved 25 wins and numerous podiums, finishing runner-up in the 250cc British Championship in 1965, 1966, and 1967. He also became the Crystal Palace lap and race record-holder and winner of the 1967 250cc King of Brands race. He was also one of only a handful of people to have ridden a works Yamaha RD56. Reg retired prematurely in 1968 at the age of 27 to concentrate on his very successful business career. His final race was on the Vic Camp 250cc Ducati, on which, together with Paul Smart, he won the Barcelona 24-Hour Race at Montjuïc Park, beating the factory Bultacos and Montesas. Apart from being remembered for his racing, Reg was always one of the best dressed gentlemen in the paddock and at other motorcycle related events, resplendent in his cravat. He leaves behind his wife Veronica, son Scott and grandson James. Words: Rogertttimms Photograph: Mortons Archive.