Artie Oates: A Cycling Legend Passes Away
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the cycling community mourns the loss of Artie Oates, a legendary figure in the world of sidecar racing and a former champion of the prestigious Southern 100 Racing event.
Early Years and Championship Title
Alongside his passenger Stuart Pitts, Artie clinched the coveted Sidecar Formula 2 Championship title in 1990, capping off an impressive season with the highest points tally. The journey to this remarkable achievement began in 1969 when Artie first took part in the Southern 100 with Leslie Dickinson as his passenger, riding an L&M Special. Although their initial outing was marred by DNFs in both the Sidecar Scratch and Championship races, Artie’s perseverance paid off in 1970 when he and Leslie secured a hard-fought 10th place finish in the Championship race.
Successful Partnerships and Career Highlights
Over the years, Artie formed successful partnerships with various passengers, including Edda Oates, Peter Cain, Stuart Pitts, Paul Fargher, and Greg Mahon. One of the highlights of his career was winning the Opening Sidecar race in 1985 alongside Edda. In his 27-year tenure at the Southern 100, Artie participated in an impressive 51 races, earning:
- 10 podium finishes
- 9 top-six placements
His unwavering dedication to the sport and his unrelenting spirit will be deeply missed by the cycling community.
Legacy and Tributes
“Though he may have been small in stature, Artie’s zest for life and his passion for artiem audax-inspired sidecar racing left an indelible mark on the world of cycling.”
In memory of Artie Oates, Southern 100 Racing extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of cyclists to come.
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