The sport of Grass Track and Long Track lost one of its greatest riders, and finest ambassadors, with the sad passing of Don Godden on Saturday.
Don started his racing career in 1953, and on the domestic scene was at the very top for a period of 20 years. During that period he amassed many victories including three British 500cc titles, three second places in the 350cc British Championship, and just to demonstrate his versatility, became the first British 250cc Champion when he raced to victory at the Wetherby Nationals on a Greeves engine special.
It was perhaps on the continent that Don had his finest hours, finishing second in the European Championship in 1967, 1968 and 1970, and winning the title in 1969, the first British riders to do so, and effectively making him number one in the world at the time. Don continued to get top 10 finishes in the event, which had become a World Championship in 1970, for a further 10 years. During this period Don became one of the most feared and respected riders in the world.
Not only was Don a world class rider, but he was also a world class engineer who, after tuning his own engines for many years, turned his hand to producing his own range of track racing engines. Such was his skill as an engineer that, only 20 years after winning the European Championship as a rider, every European and World Track Racing Championship was won by riders using Godden engines.
After his retirement from racing Don put his efforts into organising grass track events, and for many years was one of the main driving forces behind the superb international events promoted at Collier Street in Kent. Don also found time to assist the ACU on Track Racing matters, and the current Track Racing Committee Members are grateful for his guidance in recent years.
The ACU was fortunate to be able to secure Don’s services as a special guest to present the Grass Track Awards at its Prize Presentation in January, and as usual Don had done his homework and carried out his task like a true professional. The award winners were overjoyed to receive their awards from a true grass track legend.
Don will be remembered as a great rider, and fine ambassador, and a true gentleman, he will be missed by us all.
Our thoughts go out to Don’s wife, Joan, and his children and grandchildren.
Rest in peace Don.
Funeral Details for Don Godden
The family of Don Godden have contacted the ACU Track Racing Department to give details of Don Godden’s funeral arrangement. The funeral will be taking place on Tuesday 14th June with a Crematorium service being held for close Friends and Family at 11.00 at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone, Kent.
Following the Crematorium service the Family have arranged for a ‘Celebration of Life’ Church service to be held at Collier Street Church at 12:30pm, the Church service is open for all people to come and pay their final respects to Don Godden.
The family have requested close friends and family flowers and any donations for GRASA as Don was the president of GRASA for many years.
After the ‘Celebration of Life’ service there will then be a Wake held at Chequer Tree Farm from 1:30pm.
The FIM have sent a letter of Condolences to the family of Don Godden for his contribution to the Sport