It was brilliant to see racing legend Frankie Chili in a short meet up piece with James Toseland as part of the Eurosport Misano WSBK race meet coverage last weekend. The handbrake was even more thrilled to see the “housewifes choice” on TV. The old warhorse, Frankie, not the handbrake, was as charismatic and emotional as ever, despite being diagnosed with Parkinsons and year or so ago. We’ve met him a few times over the years both at the races and at World Ducati week. ALWAYS had time for chat and send a message to our friends and family that couldn’t be there in person. One of the biggest highlights amongst many at Brand WSBK years ago was an impromptu baby holding competition amongst the riders on the Thursday meet the riders day in the paddock, our then youngster being held by Frankie while he posed for a Picture. The post race press conference at Assen when there has been a last lap shimozzle between Frankie and a v Mr C. Fogarty was comedy gold in some aspects. I almost went for a yellow Frankie Chili rep scheme on the 998r years ago, but going from red to Yellow just didn’t seem right. https://www.gpone.com/en/2020/09/20...-parkinsons-but-im-a-rider-and-ill-fight.html
Saw that. Managed it with grace and calm poise…. Or maybe with the same 100% plus model he’s always had seemed super chilled but you knew, underneath, given a tiddlywinks comp he’d be all on and running Ning around in his dressing gown
Awesome bloke, I have been lucky enough to meet him a few times, I have an STM slipper clutch that came out of one of his bikes in my 996, one of my favorites
Top bloke! I managed to get a set of 1 of the 6 narrow track magnesium adjustable yokes made just for him. But the best bit was having a play about with his bike before Tom restored it.
From the last clip of him crying in his dressing gown that I saw he appears he put a little timber on but has not lost any of his looks……..Lost a chite ton of hair though…….
Lovely bloke, super chilled and why wouldn't he be spending his time on the beach renting sun loungers to Italian beauties? Did the European Superbike School back in 2001 when he was an instructor, his top tip was to always buy fresh pasta, not dried.
