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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Motor sports > Motorcycle racing
Never in the history of motorcycle racing has there been a more
popular champion than 'Mike-the-Bike' Hailwood. In this new study,
which comes almost 30 years after Mike's untimely death, Mick
Walker examines his long career. From his first race, aged 17, at
Oulton Park in April 1957, to his final race at Mallory Park in
June 1979, Mike rode in more races than any other rider, and he
could ride any bike. In his time he straddled everything from a
49cc Itom single-cylinder two-stroke to a 1000cc Dunstall-Suzuki
GS1000 four-cylinder superbike. He could switch capacity sizes and
makes at the same meeting on the same day. His many achievements he
could count 12 TT victories, 10 World titles and 76 Grand Prix
victories. Mick Walker's book describes Mike's long and varied
career, concentrating on the racing years and the motorcycles.
In June 1978, 11 years after he quit Grand Prix motorcycle racing,
Mike Hailwood returned to the Isle of Man TT races, probably the
most prestigious, and certainly the most demanding, road race in
the world. On a privately entered V-twin Ducati he won the Formula
One race, beating the works Hondas of Phil Read and the late John
Williams, and breaking the lap and race records. It may have seemed
a fluke; it was certainly a fairy tale that continued into 1979,
when he was fifth in the Formula One race, despite losing top gear
and his battery, first in the Senior, and second by only 3.4
seconds in the Classic - probably the finest and closest-fought
race the Island has ever seen, Hailwood proved, if anyone doubted,
that he was still the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. This
book, written by his manager and friend, Ted Macauley, is the
account of his dramatic comeback, from the original wild idea to
his final race. More than this, though, it is a study of a
remarkable man in a remarkable world, and of the races, the
machines, and the men who ride them.
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Rocket Men
(Paperback)
Ron Haslam, Leon Haslam
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'Rocket' Ron Haslam started racing on the professional circuit in
1972 at the age of 15 and developed into one of the finest, and
fastest, racers the UK has ever seen. Winner of three World titles
and four British championships, as well as a record six Macau GPs,
he rode in more than 100 Grands Prix. Despite tragically losing two
of his brothers in motorbike accidents, Haslam kept on riding,
setting speed records wherever he went. His son, Leon, the 'Pocket
Rocket', is following in his father's extremely speedy footsteps. A
national Motorcross champion and national Scooter champion at the
age of just 14, he became the youngest ever rider to compete in the
500cc World Championship and is now one of Britain's top racers,
competing for Stiggy Honda in the World Superbike Championship.
This is the extraordinary story of a father and a son who are
addicted to motorbikes, with all the thrills and spills, miraculous
escapes and multiple broken bones that involves. Both colourful
characters, their story takes us all the way from the 1970s to
today and is full of hilarious high-octane derring-do, a cast of
characters including legends like Fast Freddie Spencer and Barry
Sheene, and nothing less than terrifying but exhilarating
adventure.
Relive the highs and lows of a thrilling WorldSBK season in the
Official 2019 Yearbook, including round by round analysis of all
three World Championship classes. Whether you are a fan of Kawasaki
or Ducati, green or red, Rea or Bautista, 2019 had something for
everyone and ultimately produced one of the greatest duels in
WorldSBK history. A look back through the World Superbike archives,
as well as an in depth look underneath the fairings of all seven
manufacturers that took part in the three World Championship
classes enhances what is a must read for any fan. Each World
Champion has a dedicated chapter, with a comprehensive rider guide
and exclusive never seen before photos. All of the statistics, all
of the records as well as a look back at the riders who remain
iconic as far as WorldSBK is concerned are all included in the
Official Yearbook of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World
Championship.
'I was never going to sleep in and take it easy, there were worms
to catch.' Breaking records on the world's biggest Wall of Death,
cycling 2,745 miles across the length of the United States (while
sleeping rough), attempting to be the fastest person ever on two
wheels and travelling to Latvia to investigate his family's roots,
it's been a busy year for Guy Martin. There's been some thrilling
racing too, including wild Harley choppers on dirt and
turbo-charged Transit vans through the Nevada desert. And don't
forget there's the day job to get back to in North Lincolnshire -
the truck yard and the butty van. Guy has done more in one year
than most people do in a lifetime, and with his gift for
story-telling, he takes you with him to the outer limits of human
endurance, and on a dizzying adrenalin high, all in a day's work.
Presented for the first time in one book, the new-for-1971 range of
BSA and Triumph motorcycles, including the 350cc DOHC twins, the
innovative Ariel 3 moped, projected D18 Bantam, and the X-75
Hurricane, are all detailed in depth, along with related
promotional and racing activities. Photoshoots, the lavish series
of brochures and ads that emanated from them, and projected and
actual colour schemes, are also presented with great accuracy. By
delving into the archives of several historical institutions, a
comprehensive account of the hitherto largely ignored massive
infrastructure investment that took place at BSA's Small Heath
works during much of 1970 is revealed, along with its re-organised
North American setup. Also included is an equally fresh and
detailed appraisal of BSA's financial situation, from the dawn of
the 1970s, until its oblivion in 1973. Besides the many new
revelations, this book contains an impressive collection of
extremely rare factory photographs, many of which have never been
published before, and thought to be the only copies in existence.
Discover the best biking routes around Great Britain and Northern
Ireland. Your essential rideout roadbook covering the best biking
routes around Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including short
trips and longer tours. Discover the best motorcycling roads around
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, chosen by the biking route
expert, Simon Weir. Each one is explained in depth with all key
attractions highlighted in the detailed A-Z mapping. Stunning
photographs and easy-to-follow road book directions throughout.
Simple turn-by-turn directions and clear maps for every route Ideal
size for fitting in a tank bag Short, practical rides for the
weekend, most lasting 1-2 hours Comprehensive coverage of every
corner of the country 100 great rideouts to discover with your
friends
Champion motorcyclist and truck racer, television presenter,
practical joker or just plain survivor - Steve Parrish has been
called them all. Parrish Times tracks his amazing journey over the
last four decades, through a rollercoaster ride of emotions in
surely the most dangerous and exhilarating sporting arena there is.
In the 1970s Steve was competing for the world motorcycle
championship with legendary team mate Barry Sheene on a Suzuki.
After retiring in 1986, Steve managed a successful Yamaha factory
team to three British Superbike Championship titles and started a
truck-racing career, becoming the most successful truck racer ever.
He also proved to be a natural commentator, first for BBC radio,
then transferring to television with Sky, ITV and Eurosport.
Against this backdrop are Steve's notorious pranks: posing as a
medical doctor to allow John Hopkins to fly from Japan to the
Australian GP; impersonating Barry Sheene in a qualifying session;
owning a fire engine, a hearse, and an ambulance - parking it on
double yellow lines with the doors open in visits to his local
bank.
The Phenomenal Sunday Times No1 Bestseller 'It was the start of the
third lap of the 2010 Senior TT, the last race of the fortnight.
The last chance to get a TT win for another year, and I was pushing
hard. Ballagarey. The kind of corner that makes me continue road
racing. A proper man's corner. You go through the right-hander at
something like 170mph, leant right over, eyes fixed as far down the
road as I can see. But this time something happened. This time the
front end tucked ...' Guy Martin, international road-racing legend,
maverick star of the Isle of Man TT, truck mechanic and TV
presenter, lives on the edge, addicted to speed, thoroughly
exhilarated by danger. In this book we'll get inside his head as he
stares death in the face, and risks his life in search of the next
high. We'll discover what it feels like to survive a 170mph
fireball at the TT in 2010, and come back to do it all again. He'll
sweep us up in a gritty sort of glory as he slogs it out for a
place on the podium, but we'll also see him struggle with the
flipside of fame. We'll meet his friends and foes, his family, his
teammates and bosses and we'll discover what motivates him, and
where his strengths and weaknesses lie. For the first time, here is
the full story in Guy's own words. From the boy who learned to prep
bikes with his dad, to the spirited team mechanic, paying his way
by collecting beer glasses in pubs, to the young racer at the start
of his first race and the buzz he's been chasing ever since. This
thrilling autobiography is an intense and dramatic ride.
The million-copy selling truck fitter returns ***Featured on
Channel 4*** 'I can't stop biting off more than I can chew. Maybe
I'm wearing everything out, but I believe the body is a fantastic
thing and it will repair itself and I'll go again. If it's running
too rich, I don't stop what I'm doing, just weaken the mixture and
carry on.' Since we last heard from him, Guy Martin has restored a
1983 Williams F1 car then raced Jenson Button in it; helped to
build a First World War tank; ridden with Putin's favourite biker
gang the Night Wolves; competed on the classic endurance circuit;
stood on top of one of Chernobyl's nuclear reactors and taken part
in his last ever Isle of Man TT. Then there's the stuff he really
can't wait to get out of bed for: 12-hour shifts for a local
haulage firm and tatie farming in his new John Deere tractor.
Besides all this, he's saved his local pub from closure and become
a dad. But let him tell you his own stories, in his own words:
'You're getting it from the horse's mouth. No filter. I hope you
enjoy it.'
The story of a classic motorcycle racer who was fortunate enough to
be able to ride many of the best machines from the period, at the
highest level, and on many of the most famous road racing courses
in the world. There are tales of success, friendships, and the loss
of racing pals. Machine preparation and mechanical failures feature
heavily, and the story recounts the author's frustrations and joys.
Andy Reynolds maintained and built many of the bikes he raced, and
ultimately retired from riding to become both a machine scrutineer
and a sponsor. All aspects of motorcycle racing are covered in the
author's easy-to-read and entertaining narrative, and it is a
fascinating read for any motorcycle enthusiast. Come into the world
of Classic Racing Motorcycles - but bring your cheque book and
medical insurance!
Following in his late father's footsteps, Tai Woffinden made his name as Britain's most successful speedway rider ever. Known for his speed on the tracks and his quirky tattoos, he is a popular figure within the sport and beyond it.
With a vast array of titles to his name, including youngest ever Grand Prix World Champion, achieved at the age of twenty-three, Tai has come a long way from his Scunthorpe roots. His love affair with speedway began when his family emigrated to Australia while he was a child, where he became a local champion while still at school. He has not been without his share of struggles, however. In 2010, he lost his father, the popular speedway rider Rob Woffinden, to cancer, which, combined with issues within his team, resulted in a difficult season. Then, in 2019, during his defence of his World Championship, he crashed heavily during a race in Poland and was badly injured, breaking his back.
Such setbacks do not keep true champions down for long, however - Tai will be back, to dazzle his thousands of fans with his unique combination of flamboyant skill and raw courage. Told with his trademark honesty and directness, his autobiography provides an eye-opening insight into the life of one of speedway's greatest talents and most beloved stars.
'The maddest 12 months of my life. The journey starts with an
oddball race up an American mountain and ends with me checking
myself out of hospital with a broken back. Again ...' As Guy's
Latvian grandfather frequently reminded him, 'When you dead, you
dead'. So before it's all over, Guy Martin is making the most of
the time he's got. In this past year alone, Guy has raced the Isle
of Man TT and finished on the podium; bike trekked through India;
competed in solo 24-hour bicycles races; flown a stunt plane;
broken a go-kart speed record down a French mountain and attempted
to break the motorcycle land-speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats.
And he's done all this around his day job as a truck mechanic. But
let Guy tell you about it himself: 'This book starts in a Transit,
ends in a Transit, and in between I've raced a few pushbikes, raced
a few motorbikes and got a fair few stories to tell you.' Spot on.
In the many years since Joey Dunlop's untimely death, his stature
has only grown. One of the racing world's most successful riders,
and certainly its leading role-model, he is sorely missed by bike
enthusiasts everywhere. Joey Dunlop's racing career began in 1969,
and his yellow helmet and number 3 bike quickly became synonymous
with high-octane wins. He was one of the most exciting riders the
sport has ever seen, drawing huge crowds to the Isle of Man TT
races and to every other course he raced. Joey received an MBE for
his motorcycling prowess; his racing record remains unsurpassed:
twenty-six wins in twenty-five years at the TT races, and five
times World Champion. On 2 July 2000 the forty-eight-year-old rider
crashed during a race in the republic of Estonia. The death of Joey
Dunlop triggered an unparalleled emotional response as the sporting
world and his fans openly mourned his passing. He is still revered
as a motorcycling legend. This book looks at Joey Dunlop's legacy
and captures the rider, the family man, the winner, the
humanitarian - the person behind the legend that is the 'King of
the Roads'. With previously unseen photographs and updated
introduction and legacy chapters, this book is a real celebration
of Joey Dunlop's life and career from the public glories to the
private moments.
A fascinating history of European motorcycle racing, going back to
a period far removed from the world of Moto GP today: a time when
many young men from all walks of life decided to give up their
livelihoods in favour of earning their living by racing motorcycles
on the dangerous public road circuits of the European Continent. It
was a nomadic existence that involved travelling from circuit to
circuit, circus fashion, hence the title 'Continental Circus.' The
book begins with the pre-war period, when many young British riders
travelled to the Continent to take part in the Grand Prix races,
held from around 1920 and across Europe. British riders such as
Alec Bennett, Stanley Woods, Jimmy Guthrie and many more, gained
notable success and established their reputations on the European
circuits. Moving on to the post-war era, the book details the
riders from around the world who joined the Circus - self-financed
'privateers' from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The
1950s and '60s were the days of the true Continental Circus, when
private riders earned their living riding all over the continent.
The book also covers the development of the machines that became
the essential tools of the private riders, and the eventual demise
of the Continental Circus in the 1970s, due to new safety
regulations and the escalating cost of racing. Chris Pereira's
historical account is sourced both from first-hand experience of
racing, and from his own vast library of racing history records and
photographs.
The post-war era was British speedway's golden age. Ten million
spectators passed through the turnstiles of a record number of
tracks at the sport's peak. With league gates as high as 80,000,
speedway offered a colourful means of escape from the grim
austerity of the times. A determinedly clean image, with no betting
and rival fans mingling on the terraces, made speedway the family
night out of choice. The sport thrived despite punitive taxation
and Government threats to close down the speedways as a threat to
industrial productivity. A three-division National League stretched
from Exeter to Edinburgh and the World Championship Final attracted
a capacity audience to Wembley. Test matches against Australia
provided yet another international dimension. Even at the height of
its popularity, speedway was a sporting edifice built on unstable
foundations, which crumbled alarmingly as the 1950s dawned and
Britain's economic and social recovery brought competing
attractions like television.
The Indian has been the iconic image for American big V-Twins down
the years, due in no small measure to the motorcycles designed by
Charles B Franklin - the Indian Scout and the Indian Chief. Charles
Franklin was born and raised in Ireland where he quickly became
involved in motorcycle racing during the pioneer years. He rapidly
established himself as Ireland's first big star of racing and was
the first to represent Ireland in international motorcycle
competition. In the Isle of Man TT he consistently finished in the
top eight, and in 1911 claimed second place, a remarkable
achievement in itself. But it was when he moved to Indian in the
USA, where he became the Chief Design Engineer, that his genius
really flowed. His designs catapulted Indian back into the
forefront of motorcycle design in the 1920s and '30s and his racing
engines and motorcycles won much glory for Indian against stiff
opposition. Franklin introduced remarkable improvements in
sidevalve combustion chamber design that pre-dated the work of
Ricardo. He championed an holistic approach that popularised new
features such as the semi unit-construction `powerplant',
helical-gear primary drive, double-loop full-cradle frames and a
host of other improvements to the early motorcycles. This book not
only chronicles his life but also sheds much new light on the
history of Indian motorcycles and the often turbulent times of the
Indian Motorcycle Company itself. A much needed book for all Indian
fans and all who love the history of the classic American V-Twins.
The Moto Guzzi Sport & Le Mans Bible celebrates the iconic Moto
Guzzi V7 Sport and Le Mans sporting motorcycles of the 1970s and
1980s. It tells the story of these classic bikes, which were among
the first Superbikes to combine Italian style, handling, and
performance.After struggling to survive during the 1960s, Lino
Tonti was given the opportunity to create the V7 Sport Telaio
Rosso, in 1971. It was so successful that Moto Guzzi shifted to
specialize in building sporting motorcycles.Covering all models
produced from 1971 to 1993 (V7 Sport, 750S, 750S3, 850 Le Mans, 850
Le Mans II, 850 Le Mans III, 1000 Le Mans IV, 1000 Le Mans V),
descriptions of model development year by year, full production
data, and 160 photos, this is the essential Bible for all
enthusiasts.
Experience the ragged edge of road racing ... In over 120 stunning
full-colour photographs, Stephen Davison gives a thrilling insight
into the road racing scene and the lives of the riders. Join him
for some incredible action from star riders such as John
McGuinness, Robert Dunlop and Ryan Farquhar. And find out what goes
on away from the adrenaline-charged race scene - the long hours at
the day job that pays the for the racing; the longer nights in
small, draughty sheds building the bikes; the banter of the
paddock; the struggle to overcome the pain of crash injuries; the
abject misery of defeat and the sheer joy of the podium. Available
for the first time in paperback, this is a vivid and uncompromising
portrait of road racing by the sport's number one photographer.
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