(14-12-2014, 10:24 PM)bsa499 Wrote:

(14-12-2014, 09:21 PM)Tom Loughridge Wrote: The great Joey said that Mike was the best and his favourite  TT rider, we who were lucky enough to see him  race  throughout his whole career, would agree from his incredible junior battle with Gary Hocking  both on works MVs to his final ride with Steve's Ducati saw the true meaning of the TT.

I was fortunate enough to ride in may races that he rode in from Nationals to the TT. The incredible lap record on the 260 6 at Oulton  Park after he fell off  playing around with Peter Inchley, passed him on his backside at Old Hall corner, shortly after he came past my 250 Bulltaco at Knicker Brook on his way to winning. had similar experiences many times in practice and races with him on the MVs and Works Honda's. It was awesome to see fighting that 500 Honda four in 1975. A real hero and a well deserved George Medal for trying to rescue If memory serves ne right,  Fittipladi from his blazing F! car
Got to know him really well, a rue gentleman and only to happy to get myself and the late Pat Walsh hard to xome by spares for our 125 MVs from Gallarat.. For me the greatest of the greats and a modest man to boot.

Mike Hailwood was and remains my ultimate sporting hero. My main focus is motorcycle racing but Mike's ability and personality raised him above the rest of us. Priviledged? Yes, but he converted this privilege into success in a tough, tough sport. Those of us that have raced know how tough motorcycle racing can be and to succeed in the period he did, when many of the GP circuits were 'TT like' says it all. He could win on any machine. It must also be remembered he was successful in car racing too (Le Mans podium finisher, European F2 Champion) and was awarded the George Medal for his selfless bravery saving Clay Regazzoni at the 1973 South African Grand Prix during his car racing years. Remember also his TT comeback....what can you say? I don't wish to belittle anyone but what a man!!!

I think Mike and Joey had a lot in common, although they could not have come from more different beginnings. Both had a tremendous "will to win", both let the results do the talking and neither went out of their way to make themselves popular, yet their fans adored them. (It always amused me to see Joey ride back to the winners enclosure poker faced and almost embarrassed by the attention he got). Both also had the ability to win on all capacities of machine.