Philip Edward Irving OBE, C.Eng., M.I.Mech.E., M.S.A.E., (1903–1992) was an Australian engineer and author, most famous for the Repco-Brabham[1] Formula One and Vincent motorcycle engines. He also authored the books Tuning For Speed and Motorcycle Technicalities as well as writing a column in Motor Cycling magazine under the pseudonym 'Slide Rule' .[2]
Irving's life was devoted to his passion for Motorcycles and Motor Racing. Even at age 89 (weeks before his death in 1992) he was still tinkering with, and tuning, Harley Davidson motorcycles at 'Midwest Harley' in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Business owner Ken James was quoted as saying "you can't stop Phil, he just needs to be around engines, and make them sing".
Taking up the Mantle of Irvings engineering genius is an Australian company 'KHE' continuing to build and improve on the Vincent line under the name 'Irving Vincent Motorcycles'[3] in Hallam, Victoria, Australia.
To honour Irving's great achievements the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport named its highest engineering award the Phil Irving Award, one of the recipients is Ron Tauranac.[4]
There is also a Phil Irving Trophy motorcycle race held at Phillip Island during its annual Island Classic race meeting.[5]