Perseverance pays for Williams

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- On his way to five World Hillclimb Championships and 10 Canadian titles, perhaps the greatest quality shown by John Williams was his ability to persevere despite facing the longest of odds.

Williams recalled that dogged determination as he was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Saturday night along with nine other legends of the sport.

The Markham, ON resident won just a single race in his first 10 years of competition, yet refused to give up the sport. He singled out his wife Marilyn for supporting him through those difficult early days.

"Not once did she tell me to quit," he said in an entertaining and engaging acceptance speech at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel.

"I learned one thing in this sport," he added. "If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room."

A diverse range of individuals and clubs were welcomed into the Hall. Joining Williams were fellow racers Ivor Lloyd, Don McHugh and Duane McDaniels.

A native of Wales, former road racer Lloyd was present for the indicution but did not speak, although his sons Irv and Glenn both paid tribute to their father's accomplishments.

McHugh, a flat track legend and stunt rider from Brampton, ON, died in 2001 at the age of 70. His widow Shiela accepted on his behalf and admitted her only regret was that he wasn't alive to receive the induction himself.

Although a native of Michigan, McDaniels was a star of the Canadian road race scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, winning three consecutive number one plates.

"It's truly an honour to receive this recognition for competing in a sport I loved," he said.

Jim Sehl of Stoney Creek, ON entered the Hall of Fame thanks in large part for his expert work in tuning bikes for a number of flat track legends, including his brothers Dave and Doug.

"Excellent riders make average bikes look good," he said modestly. "It's been a great ride."

Carl Bastedo of Chatsworth, ON was inducted after a varied career as a motocross competitor, organizer and contributor. His efforts included promotion of the Toronto Supercross and managing Canada's Motocross of Nations teams.

Ken Morgan of Battersea, ON was recognized for his service in improving rider training efforts across Canada in the 1970s and '80s.

"In the 1970s the idea that motorcycling could be made safer through organized rider training was viewed with some skepticism, and that's being polite," he pointed out in his induction remarks.

Motorcycle event organizer, show producer, competitor and collector Bar Hodgson was inducted after many years of participating in the development of motorcycling in Canada.

"I feel uniquely blessed to share this moment with such a successful group of individuals," he admitted.

Two groups, the Steel City Riders of Hamilton, ON and the Shannonville, ON based Canadian Race Communications Association were also inducted into the Hall. Current Steel City Riders president John Varga accepted on behalf of the club while Marty Cooper did the same for the CRCA.

In addition to the 10 Hall of Fame inductions, George David, Graham Oates, Bill Sharpless, and Ron and Eve White were made 'Historic Inductees' and the Bar & Hedy Hodgson Award went to the Vintage Road Racing Association, with Tom Faulds accepting on behalf of the group.

The Ontario Volunteer Co-Ordinator Award was presented to Dave Hall.

Pat Gonsalves hosted the evening, which attracted many key players in the Canadian motorcycle industry, including six-time Canadian Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke.