Dave Simmonds

Dave Simmonds (25 October 1939 – 23 October 1972) was a British professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. He competed in the Grand Prix world championships from 1963 to 1972. Simmonds is notable for winning the 1969 125 cc FIM road racing world championship.

Motorcycle racing career Born in London, Simmonds began his motorcycle racing career riding a 50cc Itom motorcycle in 1960. 125cc machines would be limited to two cylinders and 6-speed transmissions. He proved to be competitive by winning the preseason invitational 500cc Mettet Grand Prix then, finished second to Giacomo Agostini and the dominant MV Agusta at the Finnish Grand Prix followed by third places in Holland and Italy. thumb Simmonds crossing the finish line to win the 1969 125cc Dutch TT.Simmonds won his first 500cc class victory at the season ending Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama when Agostini sat out the race after already winning the championship. Mistakenly thinking that Findlay's mother was inside the caravan, Simmonds rushed to help just as the gas cylinder exploded, engulfing him in flames.