David Thorpe (motorcyclist)

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David Thorpe is a British motocross racer and a three-time World Champion.

Thorpe's early career saw him excel in both motocross and football, and at one stage he was even offered a contract with professional side Queen's Park Rangers, before opting to concentrate on motocross. After a successful early career for the UK Kawasaki team, Thorpe switched to the factory Honda team in 1983. He emeged as a regular Grand Prix winner in 1984, taking his first title in 1985, and retaining his title in 1986, following a season long battle with Honda team-mate Andre Malherbe.

A series of injuries prevented Thorpe from making a title challenge in 1987 and 1988, where he finished fifth and third respectively in the 500cc World Championship. However, Thorpe won his third title in 1989, following a thrilling season-long battle with Eric Geboers. 1990 saw him move teams to the factory Kawasaki team, however the Kawasaki machine was inferior to the factory Honda, and Thorpe struggled to compete. In 1990 and 1991 he finished fifth and seventh respectively in the 500cc World Championship.

Thorpe left Kawasaki in 1991, and moved back to Honda, riding for the Italian 'Cinti Honda' team. Thorpe was unable to capture his old form, and he retired from professional motocross in 1993 at the age of 31.

[edit] Post-Motocross career

After a spell as manager of the Great Britain motocross team in the Motocross des Nations, (which included a famous Great Britain victory in 1994), Thorpe concentrated on team management, running the UK based CAT Honda team during the late 1990s. The team was a success both in the UK and on the Grand Prix circuit, however Honda suddenly withdrew their support (along with several other teams) in 2001, and the team disbanded.

In recent years, Thorpe has returned to motocross, although he now competes for fun, competing in his local regional championship with great success. He has also been clerk of the course of the West of England MCC's Patchquick trophy meeting.