Mike Hailwood - Page 2

**martyn748** · 14 Nov 07, 08:01 PM

Jilly Penegar, Desmo (docgb mag)editor worked with Steve at the time and had to get parts for the bike from London to the Isle of Man on a 250 single, there is also a story where she got a sheet to write in big letters Hailwood Hammers Hondas (mmmm could have been stronger but it was a while ago)on but it went through and on to the road right outside where the Honda guys were staying.

And for all you regalia collectors the DOC have just done a t-shirt in conjunction with Pauline Hailwood and Mikes website it is here.

The official Mike Hailwood web site

**Mr.R** · 14 Nov 07, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weeveetwin

I was there on the IOM for Hailwood's TT comeback - but again, my memories are fairly sketchy. Ducati were only my second-favourite in those days, since my allegiance was really with Laverda. (Laverda were winning all the proddy championships at the time with the Jota). All the same, his performance was well impressive. He surprised quite a few that year - me included.

(Was that the same year the Honda team wore all-black leathers in protest over something? If not, I was there then too. Maybe 1981..?)

If I recall correctly the 'Black Protest' was later than "78.
As Phil Read was the no1 Honda rider in "78 and I know he wasn't involved in the protest.
Cosby "The Croz" had started from the back of the grid on a Suzuki, I think he'd had a problem on the start line, Honda thought he should have been deducted the time from his original start time, which wasn't the case. The wearing of the black leathers was to say that the races should return to the old days of sportsmanship!
I'm getting old now and my memory isn't what it was, there was also an incident when Mick Grant punched the tank of the works Honda as he crossed the finish line, which made the capacity of the tank smaller (tanks were measured after the race) Suzuki protested and Grant/Honda were punished....This may have been the reason for the 'Black Protest'??????
I think my 2nd point was probably right.....Honda were upset and wore black, but the "Croz" wiped the floor with them from the back of the grid, which pis*ed them of even more!
Everybody say Ah for poor old Honda!

Steve

**Ghost** · 14 Nov 07, 08:26 PM

I was mechanic for Peter Davis on the Laverda Jota in 81 He crashed at the 32nd I am fairly sure this was the year of the black protest with Ronnie Haslam and Joey wearing the Black gear.

Phil

**Greyjohn** · 14 Nov 07, 09:30 PM

Was at Mallory in '78 - the atmosphere was awesome. The roar when SMBH passed Read around Goddards still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Saw Hailwood fairly regularly in the 60's, usually at the Oulton Internationals, and on the Island in 60 and 61 ( I was 5 so the memories are thin!)

Was also at Donington in '79 when he crashed in practice and couldn't race but did a lap of honour for the fans. What a man!

**cooleronthecoast** · 15 Nov 07, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weeveetwin

(Was that the same year the Honda team wore all-black leathers in protest over something? If not, I was there then too. Maybe 1981..?)

Yes, it was 1980 when the Honda guys (Alex George included) wore all black. I was there on my Honda CBX. How I survived that week I'll never know, nearly hit a sheep going up the mountain at some crazy speeds (well they seemed like it at the time) and I had a permanent hangover from drinking Castletown ale for weeks afterwards....Halcyon days

**cooleronthecoast** · 15 Nov 07, 09:46 PM

Now I think about it a bit more it could've been '81. Must be gettin old

**weeveetwin** · 15 Nov 07, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooleronthecoast

Now I think about it a bit more it could've been '81. Must be gettin old

Yes, 1981 I think. I have this mental picture of an Ogri sticker which I stuck on my (candy-gold) Kangol helmet at that year's TT. I'm almost sure the sticker was dated 1981.

I seem to remember the tank punching incident Steve mentions too. (Wouldn't work with a carbon-fibre tank though, eh?) Ahh! Those were the days!

**billywiztheelder** · 17 Nov 07, 01:11 AM

One of my most memorable recollections of Mike was from my marshalling days at Brands in the late 60s. He finished half a lap in front of Ago. Mike was on the 297/6 and Ago on the 500/3. Stunning.

**Rudolph Hart** · 17 Nov 07, 09:01 AM

Must check my old race programme collection when I'm up in the loft fetching the Christmas lights. I might have a programme from a race at Donington, Mike was supposed to race but he broke his collarbone & went round the track as a passenger in an old Bentley. Might even have some old photos somewhere, pity I don't have a scanner or I'd post them (if I find them).

Halogen days indeed.

**Imola Duke** · 02 Jan 08, 11:48 PM

found this video from the post TT in 1978
KapitalMoto TV - Biking on the move...The best destination for quality motorcycle videos, clips and movies
to add to this excellent thread

**wassy** · 09 Jan 08, 10:19 PM

Check out the lean angle in the wet on those old tyres !

**jbird** · 26 Jan 08, 01:53 AM

after reading all those memories from the ducatisti faithfull, it is one of the few times in my life that i wished i was alittle older......

**Imola Duke** · 27 Jan 08, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbird

after reading all those memories from the ducatisti faithfull, it is one of the few times in my life that i wished i was alittle older......

Me too......... we missed so much !

**jbird** · 27 Jan 08, 07:00 PM

todays racing is along way away from the glory days, and im sorry if im upsetting anyone, but i have to agree with rossi, when it comes to electronic aids, on modern racing machinery. dont get me wrong thou, i still cant get over how fast these boys go.

**bevel bob** · 21 Feb 08, 10:07 AM

I only saw mike once,at Brands on the 297, I was in the pits, you could hear the yelps of the honda at the start line above the thunder of all the 750s,flag off,Mike zooms past big gap then the pack.No problem.Went to the last meetings at Crystal Palace,Thruxton 500 miler watched a very standard 650ss norton thrash everything for 3 years running,why do people put triumph engines in???.How many people know that a standard 250 mark 3 narrow case came 2nd OVERALL!!! Barcelona 24hr race,that man Smart again.Watched George Brown break records on Nero,Alf Hagon do crazy things on nitro JAP,went on Dragon rallies in the snow in Febuary,Did my stint as a ton up boy and rocker, worked in Carnaby St mini skirts an all,Wonderfull time not to be repeated. My only regret --not seeing Mikes comeback.Still nearly had it all.