Ivor Lloyd

By John Hopkins

Legendary Canadian road racer Ivor Lloyd died on Sunday morning. He was 83 years old.

A native of Wales, Lloyd earned more than 50 race wins in North America in a career that spanned from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. In the United Kingdom he was a two-time road racing champion of Wales and a British 250cc Lightweight champion. He also earned five Silver Replica trophies on the Isle of Man.

Lloyd began riding at the age of 18, working as a dispatch rider in the British Army at the end of the Second World War. After completing his military service Lloyd worked as a mechanic and drove double decker buses. He began racing in 1952.

Lloyd came to Canada with his young family in 1957 and became one of this country's top competitors. He raced a Manx Norton in the first motorcycle races at Mosport Park in 1961, winning his class. He also rode the bike to success in the 1963 Indian Summer Trophy races. His career also included stints on a G50 Matchless, Norton 750 Commando and Ducati 750.

His influence in the Canadian racing community was also strong, and he is credited with encouraging Mike Duff to pursue a career in Europe.

Lloyd continued riding on the street until a few years ago, when he suffered the first of two minor strokes, according to his son Irv. He suffered another stroke last year, and had developed Alzheimer's.

Last October Lloyd was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

"It was a great moment and we were all very happy for him," Irv said.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday at the McDougall & Brown Funeral Home, located at St. Clair and Kingston Road in Scarborough, ON. There will be a reception nearby at Legion Branch #258 on Lawson Road after the services.

To the family and friends of Ivor Lloyd, Inside Motorcycles offers its most sincere condolences.