Friday, October 11, 2019

"The Wollongong Whiz" Wayne Gardner Born In Australia - October 11, 1959

October 11, 1959
Wayne Gardner
Born in Wollongong, Australia.
Gardner is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and touring car racer. His most notable achievement was winning the 1987 500 cc Motorcycle World Championship, becoming the first Australian to win motorcycling's premier class. His success on the world motorcycle racing circuit earned him the nickname The Wollongong Whiz.

Gardner made a one-off appearance at the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans. Gardner was entered in the Riley & Scott with Philippe Gache and fellow ex-motorcycle rider Didier de Radiguès. They qualified 26th, but failed to finish due to engine problems after completing 155 laps.

Following his victory in the 1987 500 cc World Championship, Gardner was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988's Honours List. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme honored him as a MotoGP Legend. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1991. He received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

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