Four-time champion Ballington to become MotoGP Legend

Four-time Grand Prix World Champion Kork Ballington will become a MotoGP Legend this season, set to be inducted into the MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame at the Australian GP at Phillip Island. Ballington won double titles in 1978 and 1979, taking the crown in the 250 and 350 World Championships. He also won 31 races and took 46 podiums in an illustrious, yet short career. He is also the last South African to take a premier class podium.

“I am overwhelmed and spent the day reflecting on my journey since as a young boy I was gripped by the desire to become intimate with motorcycles and embarked on the incredible journey which still affects all aspects of my life to this day in such a positive way,” says Ballington.

“To join the elite group already on the list is such an honour. I am deeply humbled that I am to become one of them. Throughout my career I never expected or made it a goal to become recognised. My focus was just on giving the best account of myself while honouring the true values of sportsmanship and respect for fellow competitors and those members of the GP fraternity who followed the values. Recognition became a by-product of success and this recognition of my achievements has followed me to this day.

He is the second rider thus-far to be announced as being inducted to the MotoGP Legends category, after Randy Mamola was announced earlier this year. Ballington will be the first rider from South Africa to have the honour and the 2nd from the African continent, after Rhodesian, Jim Redman.