In this new section, we are not going to directly discuss the motorcycle Grands Prix. Instead, we're going to delve into the history of the most prestigious race in the world: The
Tourist trophy. The mere mention of this name gives shivers to some enthusiasts. Little reminder, for the newbies. THE " TT » is a legendary race, taking place each year on the Isle of Man, a small independent dependency located between England and Northern Ireland. It takes place on a circuit of more than 60 km, traced on the roads since 1907.
For this episode, we allow ourselves a little madness.
Mike Hailwood is above all a legend of the Grands Prix, but also of Tourist trophy. The many victories of “ Mike the Bike » on the island are worth mentioning, including one in particular, and we bet you already know which one.
We have already worked on his entire career, via this retrospective in three parts.
English, from a wealthy family, was quickly attracted to road racing. It was at the Tourist Trophy that he discovered this passion. After a modest 1958 rookie season,
Mike shifts gears. In 125cc, he won his first career race at the Ulster Grand Prix, demonstrating all his mastery on the road. The mountain cannot resist him for long. Great Milton's child triumphed in the 1961 edition, counting three victories (125cc, 250cc and 500cc) in the same week, never seen. As a reminder, Ian Hutchinson's historic record (five in one edition) did not occur until 2010. Hardly believable.
Recognizable among thousands. Photo: ANEFO
The following years are synonymous with domination, at TT or not elsewhere. Every time “Mike the bike” gets on his MV Agusta, it hits the mark. In 1964 and 1965, he won
Present in several = 100% races in which he participates in the premier category. The change of manufacturer to Honda does nothing, or almost nothing.
Certainly, he was stripped of the 500cc title but won the 250cc and the 350cc in 1966, including two additional victories on the
Snaefell Mountain course. The new rising pilot, a certain Giacomo Agostini, thinks he can dethrone him. Indeed, it will be done.
But the TT is his playground. In 1967, Hailwood produced one of his most beautiful copies. The distance fight rages with the Italian. Remember that he already has 12 victories, an absolutely enormous figure.
Certainly, the RC181 is less good than its transalpine counterpart. Falling behind at the start of the event, he then came up like a bullet in pursuit of his long-time rival, completing a lap at an average of 175 km/h. For information, the record was not broken until 1975.
Under pressure, “Ago” must surpass himself. The legend breaks his chain, resulting in one of the greatest victories in history, although Giacomo wins the overall. This year, 1967, was also Hailwood's last in Grands Prix. A premature retirement that leaves time for other passions.
En Formula 1, riding a F5000 or the family
24 Hours of Le Mans car, the British is having fun. But something is missing. One last dance. In 1977, he considered himself capable of taking the handlebars of a racing motorcycle again. His choice is Ducati, just to get back on track.
Far from finished. Photo: ANEFO
The 900SS are good, but not at the level of the Japanese. As the weeks go by, the jovial Englishman questions himself. Is it reasonable to return to TT? One very last time? You already know the answer.
En 1978, he comes into contact with a store
Manchester Ducati in order to prepare a racing beast for him. The factory gets involved in order to provide a little support, so that it is not said that... There are many spectators, who have come to witness what they think is a simple procession of an old champion at the retirement.
At 38 years old, Mike has nothing to play for. However, first impressions are shattering. Hailwood prances in the lead, ahead of the big favorite
Phil Read. The public is in shock. During the race, the legend breaks the clock 177 km/h average, new record. The Japanese machines, then superior, did not even hope to keep up such a pace.
Two minutes early is the price. Hailwood compiles 14 TT victories in career, an exceptional figure, which can even be considered more impressive than the 26 of
Joey Dunlop in one way. “Mike the bike” is the Grands Prix, the single-seaters, the prototypes, but also and above all the Tourist Trophy.
Cover photo: Krühner
