I got his autograph on a hat at the post TT at Silverstone. I wish I knew where that hat was now. Not to sell you understand, but to display with my other bike-related stuff.
The only time i got to see him race was at the 78 post TT at mallory, i was 11 years old. You could not move it was so packed out.
Saw him at Mallory myself, it was my era, great memories from that time with some fantastic racing, Jim Redman was my favourite along with Phil Read. Thanks for the memories Steve.
Luckily I was able to see all Hailwood's races on the Island in 1978 and 79. He would come past neatly tucked in - no knees and elbows - in the middle of the road apparently braking early and taking it steady. Then we would hear he had just broken the lap record for the class. Seemed impossible. A demonstration of how the truly great can be not only the best but make it look easy. Paul Smart was also a great winner but in the opposite way, all lurid hanging off and extravagant lines.
I was lucky enough to meet Michael Dunlop at the Excel show this year. Nice bloke, great rider :smile:
