‘Sox’: Gary Hocking – the forgotten World Motorcycle Champion

I became interested in motorcycles back in 1961 just before becoming a teenager. My parents and I listened to the BBC radio broadcasts from the Isle of Man during the TT festival and this is how I became aware of Gary Hocking.I won't give too much away about the book other than to say that Gary was able to compete with the best riders of the late 1950's early 1960's and beat them in both wet and dry conditions often on inferior machines.As a motorcycle fan of more than 50 years I have no hesitation in recommending this book not only to 'people of a certain age' but to anyone with an interest in motorcycling.Roger Hughes has, in my humble opinion, done a great job in bringing this book to the public and the thread that runs through it resonates time and again...'what if'?Thank you Roger and to all the good people who have contributed to a most informative and compelling read. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down and read it to completion.A book that can be read again and again.Gary was taken too soon.RIP Gary.

An excellent book, if a little expensive. My husband requested this for fathers Day as he was a huge fan of this motorcyclist when he was alive. He thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Whether you remember Gary Hocking World Motorcycle Champion or not is not that important since this author has managed to portray his life story in such a way that I am sure it will appeal to many whether an ardent enthusiast or not. A great read and incorporates a lot of social history.

Very good service. Interesting book on a rider I can remember from my youth and sadly his death

Book met my expectations

A present for my dad, he loved it, transported back to an era when racing was a lot more dangerous and Gary Hocking took the world by storm.

Gary won the Senior TT on my first visit to the IOM.He was a hero of mine and had won the Ulster GPthe previous year.He fits the slot of great world champions Duke Surtees Hocking Hailwood etcGlad the book was written,Well done!

A good informative read although very sketchy at times. Too many years had passed by.

Muy buena historia.

Grest read.

We wouldn't miss reading this book. Gary Hocking was deceased before my children were born, but he's their UNCLE. Sorry we weren't mentioned in the book - but who knows? I am not through reading it and was married to his brother Duncan Hocking so it's fun hearing what he always told me about Gary, and THEN SOME. The researcher REALLY did his homework and put EVERYTHING he could find about Gary's life in detail. The surroundings were researched, the people he dealt with who got him interested, and even guys that grew up with him were contacted - those still alive. He died in a Formula I race CAR trying to qualify for his FIRST car race. Nobody wishes he had stuck to motorcycles more than his nieces. We will meet him one day in heaven....

The book is written in a easily readable style which is refreshing, and helps pull you into Hockings story. Personally, "Sox" reminds me , at times, of Bill Ivy. The book deserves to be read by any lover of Gp.or MotoGP fan. I've read many such books, and I'm glad I feel I know Gary Hocking up to a point.

Between the dominance of John Surtees and the dominance Mike Hailwood - there was the dominance of Gary Hocking. Another must-read!!