Roads: Six-time Pre-TT Classic race winner Ted Fenwick dies

Six-time Pre-TT Classic race winner Ted Fenwick has died. The 92-year-old passed away on Sunday January 24, only two months prior to his 93rd birthday.

Fenwick, from York, entered and competed in the first Pre-TT Classic Road Races in 1988 at the age of 60 and would continue to race on the Billown course for the next 28 years. His final appearance, in 2016, came at the remarkable age of 87.

In his first Pre-TT Classic outing Fenwick finished 10th in the 350cc Junior race on a Suzuki. In 1996 Fenwick, a retired engineer, made the switch to a single-cylinder 250cc Ducati, which would prove to be a fantastic, career-defining decision.

In the 20 years that followed the Yorkshireman would secure six Pre-TT Classic victories on the Italian bike. Fenwick’s first win came in 1998 and was followed by victory number two at the 2003 event.

Fenwick wasn’t finished there. He would go on the clinch a hat-trick of victories between 2010 and 2012. In the 2011 event the then 83-year-old finished 38 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Ian Ward.His final laurel wreath came in 2015 at the age of 87.

“Many of his fellow riders described Ted as ‘the gentleman of road racing’, a very fitting tribute to a reserved man, who was always pleasant, friendly and had time to chat to all,” today’s official Southern 100 Racing statement reads.

“Ted certainly left his mark on the Pre-TT Classic Road Races, which have been made all the better for his presence and he will be fondly remembered in the history of the races, not only for his results, but also for his tremendous sportsmanship.”

Alongside his efforts in the Pre-TT Classic events, Fenwick also competed on the Oliver’s Mount course in Scarborough for several years, even racing against Mike Hailwood. Fenwick also raced sidecars as a passenger in the 60s and 70s.

Our thoughts are with Ted’s family and friends at this difficult time.