The 2026 Tourist Trophy finished just a few days ago. It's a good opportunity to remember the grandeur of this race, and above all, to tell an incredible story about Mike "The Bike" Hailwood. The Briton is known for his world championship successes, but also for his exploits on the Isle of Man. Here's a brief summary of his mountaineering feats.
The Englishman, from a wealthy family, was quickly drawn to road racing. It is, in fact, at Tourist trophy that he discovers this passion for competition and adrenaline.
Here in Assen in 1967. Photo: ANEFO
After a modest rookie season in 1958, Mike shifted into high gear.In the 125cc class, he won his first career race at the Ulster Grand Prix, demonstrating his mastery of road racing. The mountains couldn't hold him back for long. The Great Milton native triumphed in the 1961 edition, racking up three victories (125cc, 250cc, and 500cc) in the same weekend—an unprecedented feat. As a reminder, Ian Hutchinson's historic record (five in one edition) will not arrive until 2010. Hardly believable.
The following years were synonymous with domination, at the TT or elsewhere. Every time "Mike the Bike" mounted his MV Agusta, he was a force to be reckoned with. In 1964 and 1965, He wins 100% of the races he enters in the premier category.Switching manufacturers to Honda makes little to no difference.
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 CourseThe rising new driver – a certain Giacomo Agostini – thinks he can dethrone him. And that's done..
But the TT is his playground. In 1967, Hailwood delivered one of his finest performances. The long-distance battle raged with the Italian. It's worth remembering that he boasts 12 victories there, an absolutely enormous number. Admittedly, the RC181 was less competitive than its Italian counterpart. Falling behind at the start of the race, he then surged forward like a rocket in pursuit of his eternal rival. completing a lap at an average speed of 175 km/hFor your information, the record would not be broken until 1975.
Under pressure, "Ago" had to push himself to the limit. The legend broke his chain, resulting in one of the greatest victories in history, although Giacomo won the world championship. 1967 was also Hailwood's last year in Grand Prix racing. A premature retirement that left time for other passions. Whether in F1, F5000 or the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Briton is having funBut something was missing. One last dance. In 1977, he felt ready to get back on a racing motorcycle. He chose a Ducati, just to get back into the swing of things.
I'm curious to know where you place Mike Hailwood in your top 10. Let me know in the comments!
The 900SS are good, but not up to the level of the Japanese bikes. As the weeks go by, the jovial Englishman begins to question things. Is it reasonable to return to the TT? One last time? You already know the answer.
In 1978, he contacted a Ducati store in Manchester to have a racing machine prepared for him. The factory is getting involved in order to provide some support, so that it is saidThe spectators are numerous, having come to witness what they believe to be the simple procession of an old retired champion.
At 38 years old, Mike has nothing to lose. Yet, the first impressions are stunning. Hailwood is cruising in the lead, ahead of the overwhelming favorite Phil Read. The crowd is stunned. During the race, The legend breaks the record with an average speed of 177 km/h, a new recordThe Japanese machines, which were superior at the time, couldn't even hope to keep up with such a pace.
Two minutes ahead is the going rate. Hailwood has amassed 14 career TT victories, an exceptional figure, which can even be considered more impressive than Joey Dunlop's 26 in a certain sense. Mike the bike "It includes Grand Prix, single-seaters, prototypes, but also and especially the Tourist Trophy.
Did you know the story of Mike Hailwood's final participation in the Tourist Trophy? Tell me in the comments!
When I was little, my father often talked to me about Hailwood's 1978 TT and the Ducati 900SS. I understand why.
Cover photo: Ducati
