"A wonderful snapshot of sporting history" The Blackpool Gazette
This DVD brings fans of motorcycle racing a true treat, with thrilling rare footage of action from motocross, trials and road racing more than five decades ago. The two absorbing films from the BP Video Library transport us back to 1956 for elbow-to-elbow racing and more than a little mud!
The first film, Motor Cycle Sport 1956 is a compilation of fascinating black and white footage from three leading British events from that year. The opening sequence focuses on the Senior race at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough, in September. It offers a wonderful opportunity to see two motorcycle legends, Geoff Duke and Bob McIntyre, in a tremendously close battle for the prestigious Gold Cup. The Gilera of Duke and Bob Mac’s Norton trade places throughout this fabulous duel.
Our attention then goes off-road for the Welsh Three Day Trial, a demanding test of man and machine in the mountains of Wales. Success on the event could lead to selection for the International Six Day Trial team, so the film features an all star cast including George Fisher, Johnny Brittain and Ted Usher being put through their paces. We finish with more dirt bike drama, this time the Motocross Grand Prix at Britain’s Hawkstone Park. The great Les Archer sees off competition from rivals like Jeff Smith and Johnny Draper in this thrilling contest.
The next film, Mud in Your Eye, stays with motocross – this time the French Grand Prix at Rouen. The colour footage, with commentary from Nevil Lloyd, charts the full event as Les Archer continues his way towards Championship glory, this time battling in the rain and thick French mud against more than 40 of the best European riders, such as Bill Nilsson, the Klym brothers Rene and Robert, Victor Leloup and Auguste Mingels. Notably, the field is dominated by British machines, from BSA, Norton and Matchless, as well as British riders, who dominate the final.
Please note some of the footage featured in this title was previously released on the Terrific Stuff DVD 'Tribute to Bob McIntyre'.