Do you know who Phil Read is? The renowned English motorcyclist whose name was etched in history due to his remarkable skills on two wheels.
This piece aims to delve deeper into Phil Read net worth, his life, and his popularity. Ready for the ride? Let’s follow!
Quick Facts
Information | Details |
Real Name | Phillip William Read |
Popular Name | Phil Read |
Gender | Male |
Birth Date | 1 January 1939 – 6 October 2022 |
Age | 83 (at the time of his death) |
Parents | N/A |
Siblings | N/A |
Birth Place | Luton, United Kingdom |
Nationality | British |
Ethnicity | White |
Education | N/A |
Marital Status | Widowed |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Wife/Spouse | Madeleine Read (deceased) |
Children | Michael, Graham, Phil Jr, Roki, Esme |
Dating | N/A |
Net Worth | $1-5 Million (as of 2023) |
Source of Wealth | Professional Motorcycle Racing |
Height | N/A |
Weight | N/A |
What is Phil Read Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
Phil Read, a renowned British motorcycle racer, has made a significant fortune from his professional career.
As of 2023, various online resources, including Wikipedia and Forbes, estimated his net worth to be between $1 million and $5 million.
This wealth is primarily derived from his successful career as a professional motorcycle racer.
Why is Phil Read Famous?
Phil Read earned fame through his exploits in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing world. Read was the first person to win the 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc world titles. He was known as The Prince of Speed.
These accomplishments, combined with his sheer talent and grit on the track, established him as an iconic figure in motorcycle racing.
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Phil Read Overview
Early Life
Phillip William Read, known as Phil Read, was born on New Year’s Day in 1939 in the large town of Luton, Bedfordshire. From a young age, he was interested in motorbikes, and in 1955, when he was sixteen, he started riding on the road.
His first road machine was a Velocette KSS, followed by a BSA Gold Star DBD32. Read worked as an apprentice fitter at Brown and Green, a local manufacturer of industrial machinery in Luton.
He learned a lot from his real-life experience. This probably helped him understand how motorcycles work. This knowledge was very useful in his future as a racer. Also, check Patrick Pons Net Worth.
Career
Phil Read’s career began in earnest when he started amateur short-circuit racing in 1958 on a Duke BSA Gold Star.
By 1960, he had won the Junior Manx Grand Prix on a Manx Norton at record speed, followed by the Junior (350cc) TT race in 1961.
He also placed second in the 350cc and 500cc races at the 1961 North West 200 in Northern Ireland on Manx Nortons.
In 1962 and 1963, Read won the Thruxton 500 endurance race twice. He did this while riding Syd Lawton’s Norton Dominator 650SS motorcycle.
His success continued into the mid-1960s when he, along with other prolific riders like Mike Duff and Bill Ivy, represented Yamaha.
In 1964, Read gave Yamaha their first world title by winning the 250cc class, a feat he repeated the following year.
The 1968 season was a difficult time for Read. Yamaha told him to concentrate on the 125cc championship. But Read decided to go for the 250cc championship instead. He competed against his teammate Bill Ivy.
The season ended with both riders tied in points, but Read was awarded the world championships based on elapsed times. This decision led to Yamaha never offering him another ride.
In the 1970s, Read accepted an offer to ride for the MV Agusta factory racing team in the 350 World Championship.
In 1973, he took the 500cc title, marking the first World Championship won using Lockheed disc brakes.
He successfully defended his 500cc crown in 1974, marking the last world championship for the legendary Italian marque.
Read’s career was not without controversy. He was known for his forthright and sometimes outspoken views, particularly regarding the dangers of the Snaefell Mountain Course.
He criticized the organization and safety at the Isle of Man TT race. Because of his criticism, this event was removed from the World Championship schedule after the 1976 races.
Despite retiring from Grand Prix racing in 1976, Read continued to participate in TT events. He won the F1 (Formula 1) race on the works Honda CB750 SOHC and the Senior race on a Suzuki in 1977.
He also gave Agostini’s Yamaha a strong fight for the 1975 500cc championship but finished in second place.
Read had a long and successful racing career. He was the first person to win the world title in the 125 cc, 250 cc, and 500 cc classes.
He was given the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1979 Birthday Honours for his work in motorcycle racing. In 2013, he was named a FIM Legend for his work in riding.
Personal Life
Phil Read lives a quiet life away from the train tracks. He is known to be a private person, and he has done well at keeping his personal life low-key. This is in stark contrast to his high-profile work life.
He doesn’t share much about his family and personal life. But it is known that he is married and has children.
The family prefers to keep their lives away from the media’s gaze, focusing on living a harmonious life away from the limelight.
FAQs about Phil Read
What’s Phil Read’s age?
83 years (1939–2022)
Did Phil Read have a wife?
Phil Read/Husband
What was Phil Read’s family size?
He was married and divorced several times. His daughter, Esme, and boys Michael, Graham, Phil Jr., and Roki are the only ones who still care about him.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, while the exact net worth of Phil Read as of 2023 might be not clear, there’s no doubting his immense contributions to the world of motorcycle racing.
His legacy in the sport and the fame he has garnered stand testament to his exceptional career. With his remarkable journey and achievements, Phil Read continues to inspire budding racers worldwide.