Don Cox

Don Cox wrote his first motorcycle-racing story in 1976, inspired by the Australian TT at Laverton and the Australian Grand Prix at Bathurst. He became a contributor for Two Wheels in 1978, most notably with his Racing Lines column, and was still writing for the title when it closed in 2017.

Good racing writers are very hard to find, and Don Cox is one of the best. He is able to interpret as well as describe the action, with an understanding of how the riders, the machines, and all the other variables in the sport contribute to the result when the chequered flag comes out. His rider profiles, and analyses of their careers, are a highlight of his work, and his big picture perspectives on seasons and eras are definitive historical accounts.

He spent 1979 in Europe, reporting on Australian international racers.

Don co-authored Australian Motorcycle Heroes 1949-89 with Will Hagon and wrote The Aussies And 2NZ Blokes in 1997. A third book, Circus Life: Australian Motorcycle Racers In Europe In The 1950s, was published in 2012. He has also worked with Darryl Flack on Race Across The Great Divide.

Circus Life is Don’s account of the exploits of a bunch of young Australian motorcycle racers who followed the GP circuit as privateers through Europe in the 1950s. It’s beautifully written, forensically researched and accompanied by some amazing photographs. Don discusses Circus Life with Jay Leno on Jay Leno’s Garage here, and you can order a copy of Circus Life here.