Classic racer: 97-year-old grandfather sets new record as oldest competitive motorcycle rider

A motorcycle riding grandad from New Zealand is proving that age is just a number by setting a new world record for the oldest competitive motorcycle racer. 

Leslie Harris took part in the 43rd Classic Motorcycle Festival at Pukekohe Park circuit just three weeks before his 98th birthday aboard his 175cc BSA Bantam racer, competing alongside his eldest son Rod, 64, and granddaughter Olivia, aged 21 years. 

“His passion is racing his BSA Bantam classic motorbikes at whatever racing event he can enter,” Leslie’s son, Tim, said. “He is busy modifying his bike in preparation for the next event and to suit his aging and shrinking frame.”

Harris first took part in a motorcycle race back in 1953 and plans to enter the 44th Classic Festival, due to take place in February 2024 at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, in Feilding, NZ.

Back to the record, the family trio all took part in the Regularity race, with the aim of achieving the most consistent lap times around the track. It’s an event that Les won back in 2019 aged 93.

Having undergone a hip replacement shortly after, Leslie returned for the 2020 event, but was injured in a starter roller incident before the race – resulting in him breaking six ribs.

Following two years of Covid restrictions, 2023 was his first chance to return – racing alongside his family for the first time and bagging a fourth place finish. 

“It was very important to Les to be able to ride the track and compete for a trophy he had won at a previous event,” Tim added.