This exciting book details Yamaha’s Grand Prix history, covering its entry into classic FIM Grand Prix racing in the 1960s.

Over 255 pages, and with 240 pictures, Yamaha’s Glorious Grand Prix History charts the achievements of the Yamaha factory through to 1968, an era which put the company on the map and established its pedigree.

As author Roger Gowenlock reveals, Yamaha World Championships by Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and Valentino Rossi were built on the foundations laid by the 1960s pioneers. This is an apt description of those early years because Yamaha were the front-runners in transforming the simple utilitarian two-stroke pop-pop into a sophisticated disc-valve racing engine that could challenge and beat the very technically advanced four-strokes that the mighty Honda Company had developed using short stroke, high revving engines with four valves per cylinder operated by double overhead camshafts.

It was also apt because they raced on public road courses which put the present day, sanitised, Mickey Mouse, short circuit tracks, well and truly in the shade. Most of the circuits were between 5 and 6 miles long in mountainous or hilly terrain, a true test of man and machine, the likes of which will never be seen again.

Each Grand Prix race from 1964 to 1968 that Yamaha participated in during those exciting times is covered in full with circuit maps, practice times, race reports, race results and championship positions after each round.

Any one interested in motorcycle racing, and Yamaha in particular, including the present day GP riders and the R1 rider on the street, will find something to interest them inside.

It is written to make it as easy to read as possible, with wit and many amusing anecdotes, plus the inevitable political shenanigans .