Bert Le Vack

Bert Le Vack was a legendary British racing motorcyclist who enjoyed tremendous success in the 1920s and 1930s. Born on June 29th, 1905, in Leyton, England, he began his career in the early 1920s and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He rose to prominence as a rider of Brough Superior motorcycles, which were known for their speed, power and elegance.

Le Vack’s greatest achievements came in the 1920s when he won several major motorcycle races, including the Ulster Grand Prix, the Welsh TT, and the Brooklands 500-mile race. His performance at the 1926 Ulster Grand Prix is particularly notable because he rode a lightweight, single-cylinder AJS motorcycle to victory over more powerful bikes. Le Vack also set several world speed records during this time, including the one-hour record in 1928.

In 1930, Le Vack joined the Brough Superior racing team, where he achieved his greatest successes. He won the Senior TT at the Isle of Man in 1932, which is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging races in the world. He also won the Brooklands Gold Star, the highest honor in British motorcycle racing, three times between 1930 and 1933.

Le Vack was known for his aggressive riding style, which often led to thrilling victories, but also resulted in a few serious accidents. He suffered a broken back in a racing accident in 1933, but he made a remarkable recovery and was back on the track within months.

Despite his many achievements, Le Vack's career was cut short in 1934 when he was killed in a racing accident at the Montlhéry track near Paris. He was just 28 years old at the time of his death. His tragic passing was a great loss to the motorcycle racing community, but his legacy as one of the greatest riders of all time lives on.

In conclusion, Bert Le Vack was a true pioneer in the world of motorcycle racing, and his accomplishments on the track were nothing short of remarkable. He was a fearless competitor who pushed the limits of what was possible on a motorcycle, and his legacy as a champion rider and innovator of the sport will continue to inspire generations of racers to come.

Back to Personalities