The glorious return of one of motorcycle racing’s biggest names to the Isle of Man TT is the stuff of legend, still one of the most talked about events at the fabled road race more than three decades on.
In 1978, multiple World Champion Mike Hailwood returned to the iconic 37.73-mile TT course, after a self-imposed 11 year absence from the world famous circuit. Few doubted Hailwood still possessed the legendary skill which had brought him 12 TT wins, but a comeback at 38, after more than a decade away, was still a daunting prospect.
With a fine handling, but under-powered Ducati V-Twin at his disposal, Mike the Bike went head-to-head with fellow great Phil Read, riding the much faster 4 cylinder Honda in the opening race of the TT festival. Amazingly, Hailwood roared to victory in the Formula One race.
Fortunately a crew from Outrider Films was on hand to capture this historic moment, and interviews with Hailwood himself as he explains how boredom with his ‘9-5 lifestyle’ had brought him back to racing. One Day in June is a unique opportunity to see one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time in action in one of his most important races.
This classic film also includes footage from the Senior TT, where Hailwood raced a Yamaha against legends like Pat Hennen and Tom Herron.
Plus, this DVD includes a bonus audio feature offering you the chance to hear Mike the Bike discuss a decade of racing at the TT in the extraordinary Mike Hailwood: My First 10 TT Years.
Recorded at Hailwood’s London flat in 1968, this chat with Peter Arnold chronicles the highs and lows of ten years racing in the Isle of Man, from fresh-faced teenager to his apparent retirement in 1967. Digitally remastered from the original Stanley Schofield archive recording, Mike Hailwood: My First 10 TT Years recalls the exhilarating battles, frustrations and tremendous triumphs.
It is a thrilling opportunity to discover how Hailwood managed to stamp his authority on the event, and offers revealing insight and first-hand accounts of some of the most memorable races ever. The soundtrack to the interview is provided by the Hondas, MV Agustas and other glorious machines that dominated the TT during Hailwood's heyday, plus race commentary from such luminaries as Murray Walker.
There's also a chance to hear more classic recordings of TT action from the 1950s and 1960s in clips from Duke's audio TT collection.