Robin Winter-Smith was a British motorcycle stunt rider who thrilled audiences with his daring jumps and fearless attitude. He was one of the most successful and popular performers in the history of the sport, holding several world records and performing in front of millions of fans. But his career and life came to an abrupt end on October 7, 1979, when he attempted to set a new world distance motorcycle jump record of 212 feet in Elstree, England. What went wrong that day and how did Robin Winter-Smith die? Here is the story of his final stunt and the legacy he left behind.
The Rise of Robin Winter-Smith
Robin Winter-Smith was born in 1947 in London, England. He developed a passion for motorcycles at an early age and started riding when he was 11 years old. He joined the British Army at 16 and became a member of the world-famous British Army Motorcycle Display Team, also known as the White Helmets. He performed with them for six years, honing his skills and gaining experience in stunt riding.
He left the army in 1970 and joined The Magnificent 7, a professional motorcycle stunt team that toured the world and performed in various shows and events. He quickly became the star of the team, impressing audiences with his spectacular jumps and stunts. He was known for his charisma, confidence, and sense of humor, as well as his ability to perform without a landing ramp. He often jumped over cars, buses, trucks, and even airplanes, landing on flat ground or on another ramp.
He also started to break world records and challenge himself to go further and higher than anyone else. In 1975, he set a new world record for the longest motorcycle jump over a moving vehicle, clearing a distance of 120 feet over a speeding truck. In 1977, he broke another world record for the longest motorcycle jump over a line of cars, jumping 175 feet over 18 cars. He also set a new world record for the highest motorcycle jump, reaching a height of 65 feet.
He became a household name in the UK and abroad, appearing on TV shows, magazines, and newspapers. He was admired by his peers and fans alike, and inspired many young riders to follow in his footsteps. He was also a generous and charitable person, who donated his earnings to various causes and organizations. He was especially fond of children and often visited hospitals and schools to cheer them up and give them gifts.
The Final Stunt
In 1979, Robin Winter-Smith decided to attempt his most ambitious and dangerous stunt yet: to jump over 30 Rolls-Royce cars, a symbol of luxury and prestige, and set a new world distance motorcycle jump record of 212 feet. He planned to perform the stunt at the Elstree Aerodrome in Elstree, England, in front of a large crowd of spectators and media. He had a specially modified motorcycle, a Yamaha 500cc, that was designed to give him more speed and power. He also had a custom-built takeoff ramp that was 12 feet high and 40 feet long.
He was confident and optimistic about the stunt, saying that he had practiced it many times and that he was ready to make history. He also said that he was not afraid of death, and that he would rather die doing what he loved than live a boring life. He said that he had no regrets and that he was happy with his achievements.
On October 7, 1979, the day of the stunt, Robin Winter-Smith arrived at the aerodrome and prepared for his final jump. He wore his trademark white helmet, leather jacket, and jeans. He checked his motorcycle and his ramp, and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd. He then started his engine and accelerated towards the ramp. He hit the ramp at a speed of about 90 miles per hour and launched himself into the air. He soared high into the air, reaching a height of about 50 feet. But he soon realized that he had not gained enough speed and momentum to clear the cars. He tried to adjust his position and angle, but it was too late. He crashed down on the 28th car, a silver Rolls-Royce, and then hit the safety deck. He was thrown off his bike and landed on the ground, motionless.
The crowd gasped and screamed in horror, as paramedics rushed to his aid. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had suffered severe head and chest injuries, and had no chance of survival. He was 32 years old.
The Legacy of Robin Winter-Smith
The news of Robin Winter-Smith’s death shocked and saddened the world, especially the motorcycle stunt community. He was mourned by his family, friends, fans, and fellow riders, who paid tribute to him and his achievements. He was buried in his hometown of London, with his motorcycle and helmet placed on his coffin. He was remembered as a legend, a hero, and a pioneer of the sport.
His death also raised questions and concerns about the safety and ethics of motorcycle stunt riding, and whether such extreme and risky stunts should be allowed or encouraged. Some argued that he was a victim of his own ambition and ego, and that he had pushed himself too far and too fast. Others defended him and his passion, and said that he had died doing what he loved and that he had inspired many people with his courage and skill.
His records and stunts have been surpassed and replicated by other riders over the years, but his name and legacy remain in the history and culture of motorcycle stunt riding. He is still regarded as one of the greatest and most influential riders of all time, and his final stunt is still considered one of the most tragic and memorable events in the sport. He is also honored and celebrated by various organizations and events, such as the Robin Winter-Smith Memorial Trophy, the Robin Winter-Smith Motorcycle Stunt Show, and the Robin Winter-Smith Motorcycle Museum.
Robin Winter-Smith was a motorcycle stunt legend who lived and died for his passion. He was a man who dared to dream big and chase his goals, no matter the cost. He was a man who left a mark on the world and touched the hearts of many. He was a man who will never be forgotten.
