1950-2026
Phillip ‘Pip’ Higham passed away in March after a battle with cancer, aged 76.
Pip fell in love with drag racing in 1964 at the International Dragfest at Woodvale. By the 1970s, he was competing on machines like his Rickman Triumph and Kawasaki triple, forging a lasting relationship with Suzuki. His GS750’s 1977 record runs started a string of successes, with future bikes and his Manchester’ Village Bike Shop’ becoming legendary.
He helped put Suzuki on the UK map, with support from Heron Suzuki GB and regular columns in SuperBike magazine. He was Europe’s first drag racer into the 10-second bracket and a three-time Le Mans Pro Stock Bike winner. He was inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2017.
After his racing days, Pip became a mainstay at classic bike events and a cornerstone of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, known for his monthly columns, workshop expertise, and sharp wit. His engineering feats amazed many, but he always took the time to celebrate others’ achievements as well.
If he saw this, Pip would wonder what all the fuss was about. Always willing to help and never one to seek the spotlight, Pip was that rare soul, someone with immense talent, yet always humble.
A look at social media says it all: hundreds have shared memories, whether he helped them once or many times, or just shared a chat at a bike show or drag race. Pip truly engaged with people; he cared. I saw it in every conversation and email. He was the little fella with the biggest heart.
He’d often get in touch with me, apologising if his column’s language confused me. Pip would say he was “no good at this writing lark,” but in truth, he was brilliant. Few could write as they spoke, but Pip did, and his words always connected.
Pip was a brilliant engineer, a quick rider, a talented writer, but above all, a fantastic friend. We will all miss him greatly, and my thoughts are with Jean and all his family.