![]() ![]() This sensational development marked the turning point of Spencer’s career at age 24, from double champion to not scoring a point in the 1986 championship, missing virtually all the next two seasons and never again finishing on a GP podium. On lap 14 of 37, with the Australian virtually on his tail, Spencer motored into pitlane and retired from the race with severe arm pump. Spencer in his trademark style set the early pace, but Gardner gave chase. Gardner set fastest lap and won by two seconds from Yamaha factory rider Eddie Lawson, with Randy Mamola and Mike Baldwin third and fourth for the brand-new Kenny Roberts Yamaha 500 team. That gap represents the longest drought for Australian riders since the championships began in 1949. ![]() ![]() The Jarama race on 4 May was the first GP of the 1986 season and Gardner’s victory was the first by an Australian in any class for almost seven years*. For 1986, Honda elevated him to the full factory team alongside 1985 double champion Freddie Spencer on a NSR500 V4. Gardner had been knocking on the door of a race victory through 1985 on a Honda Britain entered factory NS500 triple. It was his first Grand Prix victory and the back story is one of his favourite anecdotes. Wayne Gardner has two reasons to remember the 1986 Spanish 500 Grand Prix at Jarama. ![]()
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