We have had a very dark year in terms of human losses within the world of two wheels. The last one to leave us has been Jean-Louis Guillouhead of the Honda France competition department from 1966 to the mid-90s. Today we learned of his recent death, at the age of 91 at his private home in Beausset, very close to the emblematic Paul-Ricard circuit.
Jean-Louis Guillou, the “Captain” of Honda France
Affectionately nicknamed the Captain, Guillou, an engineer by profession, soon became a key player within Honda’s competition department in France. Previously, he had worked for Morris, Simca, NSU, Mercedes and Jaguar. For more than three decades he took the French colors to the top in different disciplines, including Endurance, Motocross and Raids.
This is highlighted by the victories achieved by Christian León – Jean-Claude Chemarin in the Bol d’Or or Dominique Sarron’s third place in the 1986 World Speed Championship in the 250 cc category. Also worth highlighting are the three Dakar Rallys of the French driver Cyril Neveu in the 1982, 1986 and 1987 seasons.
Important figures from the world of competition worked alongside Guillou, such as Hervé Poncharal, who became his right-hand man at Honda France from 1983 to 1988 as deputy director of the competition department. Also together with Guy Coulon, engineer and co-founder with Poncharal of the competition team, Tech3, present in the MotoGP and Moto3 World Championships.
From the SMN editorial team, send me our deepest condolences to the family of this historic two-wheeler, especially in the world of competition, where he played a key role for the interests of Honda France.
