Gregg Hansford returned to Bathurst after two years of competition in the World Championships that had resulted in 2nd place in the 250 Championship and 3rd place in the 350 Championship in both ’78 and ’79.
In the prestigious Arai 500 he was teamed with Jim Budd on the rare KawasakiZ1000SR. After battling Dennis Neill on a Honda RSC 1062 in the early stages of the race the SR’s clutch failed putting Hansford out of the race.
Gregg Hansford with the rare Kawasaki Z1000SR – Arai 500 Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyGregg Hansford was teamed with Jim Budd on the rare Kawasaki Z1000SR in the Arai 500 at Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyArai 500 at Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyArai 500 at Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyARAI 500 – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil AynsleyGregg Hansford was teamed with Jim Budd on the rare Kawasaki Z1000SR in the Arai 500 at Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyGregg Hansford was teamed with Jim Budd on the rare Kawasaki Z1000SR in the Arai 500 at Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil Aynsley
Dennis Neill leads Hansford through Murrays Corner
Dennis Neill leads Hansford through Murrays Corner – Image by Phil Aynsley
Hansford realising that there is a problem
Gregg Hansford realising there is a problem with the Kawasaki Z1000SR in the Arai 500 Bathurst 1980
Hansford immediately after retiring the bike
Gregg Hansford after immediately retiring the big Kawasaki Z1000SR with technical problemsMick Cole / Honda RSC 1062 – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyDennis Neill / Honda RSC 1062 – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyDennis Neill / Honda RSC 1062 – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyDave Robbins / Ducati NCR 900 – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyGregg Hansford / Kawasaki KR350 – Bathurst 1980
The 1980 meeting also saw the Australian debut of the Yamaha TZ500, ridden by Ron Boulden
Ron Boulden / Yamaha TZ500 with Warren Willing – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyRon Boulden / Yamaha TZ500 – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil Aynsley
At the start line of Sunday’s Unlimited GP. From L to R: Gary Coleman, Ron Boulden, Andrew Johnson, Lee Roebuck, Steve Trinder
At the start line of Sunday’s Unlimited GP. From L to R: Gary Coleman, Ron Boulden, Andrew Johnson, Lee Roebuck, Steve Trinder – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyStart of the Unlimited GP – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil AynsleyRon Boulden / Yamaha TZ750 – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil Aynsley
Ron Boulden / Yamaha TZ750 leading Andrew Johnson / Yamaha TZ750 over the last hump on Con Rod Straight
Ron Boulden / Yamaha TZ750 leading Andrew Johnson / Yamaha TZ750 over the last hump on Con Rod Straight – Bathurst 1980 – Image by Phil AynsleyRoger Freeth / Suzuki RG500 – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil AynsleyRoger Freeth / Suzuki RG500 – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil AynsleyAndrew Johnson / Yamaha TZ750 – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil AynsleyAndrew Johnson / Yamaha TZ750 – 1980 Bathurst – Image by Phil Aynsley
Phil Aynsley sadly passed away in 2023 after a life spent travelling the world photographing many of the rarest and most beautiful motorcycles ever made. We are proud to continue showcasing his catalogue of work on MCNews.com.au.
