THE First FAST PHILLIS
Hisakazu Sekiguichi was on a mission. As Honda team manager, he had to ensure Tom Phillis won the final round of the 1961 125cc title in order to secure the crown. Phillis’ eight-valve twin had to complete 50 laps of the 2.652km Autodromo Municipal De La Cuidad De Buenos Aires.
Phillis, 27 at the time, had his fingers crossed. After four seasons as an international racer, the last two with Honda, he was on the cusp of becoming Australia’s second world motorcycle Grand Prix champion. The 125 championship was the only 1961 title still to be decided and Honda sent a full team to Argentina – regular works riders Phillis, Jim Redman and Kummitsu Takahashi on 125s and 250s, with an extra machine for the top local.
It was the first world championship GP held outside Europe. Race conditions were marginal; it was raining. Phillis was in form; he’d won the previous day’s 250 GP by nearly half a minute, but over 35 laps of a different (3.912km) circuit layout.
The morning after the race, Phillis sent a telegram to his parents Tom and Elsie in Sydney.
“Home in three weeks with title – Ted.”
‘Ted’ was the name Thomas Edward Phillis was known by in his family, to avoid being confused with his old man.
