1966 500cc Champion Selwyn Griffiths Passes

Southern 100 Racing is saddened to learn of the passing of their 1966 500cc Champion Selwyn Griffiths who passed away on Saturday 11th January aged 83.
Selwyn, a proud Welshman won the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix, then made his Southern 100 debut the following year, finishing a creditable seventh in the 350cc race.
1966 brought mixed fortunes, a retirement in the 350cc on the Cowles AJS, then taking the chequered flag in the feature 500cc race on the bigger Cowles Matchless.
His next outing on the Billown Course was in 1968, where he once again took the victory in the 500cc race and finished second in the Solo Championship race to Steve Jolly.

He continued the annual pilgrimage from Pontypool each year up to and including 1974, collecting another winners laurel wreath in 1971, this time on a 350cc Cowles Yamaha. His final year, 1974 once again saw him take second place in the Solo Championship race on the Yamaha, this time behind Steve Tonkin.

However, the popular Welshman was not done with the southside course, as the Classic Races evolved, Selwyn was back on board the famous Cowles Matchless machines, resplendent in the familiar red and green colours taking seven podium places between 1987 and 1991 including three race victories, including his final race in 1991.
Selwyn also raced in the Pre-TT Classic Road Races between 1988 and 1990, finishing a best third place in the 500cc race in 1989. His final race around the 4.25-mile Billown Course was in 1999 taking second place in the Senior (500cc) race on a rare outing on a Manx Norton.

Selwyn Griffiths may have hung up his leathers, which were replaced with a set of mechanics overalls as son Jason continued the family connection with the friendly races between 1992 and 2002, winning the coveted Solo Championship title three times, the first in 1994, then back to back in 1996 and 1997.

After Jason retired from racing, Selwyn was a regular welcome visitor every July up until the last year staying with former Southern 100 Clerk of Course and now President Phil Taubman MBE.

A unique character, always smiling, Selwyn made many friends over the years all of whom will be saddened by his untimely passing. However, the fond memories and tales will will remain with us for ever.

Southern 100 Racing pass on their sincere condolences to his son Jason and family at this sad time.

 

Photo Courtesy of Southern 100 Archive depicts Selwyn Griffiths on his way to winning the 1964 500cc Feature Race.

 

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