Mike Hailwood and Tommy Robb are two great racers of the grand old tradition and sportsmen everywhere should take a leaf out of their books. They were friends off the track and rivals on it. Mike Hailwood I sat on the corner they named after him in I think it was Brands Hatch. A true legend that will be sorely missed.
It was every bit as dangerous back then as it is now for the reasons stillavril says including tyre technology, these riders should get all our praise 5's
'A walk in the park', 'a sport tour': which bit? Considering they only had 50bhp, not 200, and rode on moped tyres, and had drum brakes that burned to a cinder if you used them too hard and too long, both riders were going 'quiet fast', in my opinion! Mike was playing with Tommy, putting on a show for the crowd, riders were like that in those days. Note how quick he caught Tommy, who had an advantage in acceleration and braking, being much lighter. But Tommy NEVER beat Mike in a real scrap.
This is my wonderful Dad with his good friend Mike Hailwood..R.I.P.
They were fantastic friends. Sadly Mike is no longer with us..but my Dad most definatley is..still loving the bikes and a fantastic man to everyone who meets him.
I am very lucky and proud to say he is my father. These videos are great to see up here for all to view.
Thanks for giving both myself and his grandchildren the chance to see him in action :-)
@nattrobb You are right to be proud of your dad, he was a great rider, I saw him race many times, I also remember his great TT commentary from Ballacraine,
I recall going to look at a bike that had gone into the harbour at Portstewart during the North West 200, roundabout 1969 or so. (The old course used to go along the promenade). I seem to remember that it was Tommy's bike? He is still very often spoken about over here.
great video and great comments and suddenly "golden years of racing" are back...all the best to Mr. Robb
bigbeatle1 11 months ago
Mike Hailwood and Tommy Robb are two great racers of the grand old tradition and sportsmen everywhere should take a leaf out of their books. They were friends off the track and rivals on it. Mike Hailwood I sat on the corner they named after him in I think it was Brands Hatch. A true legend that will be sorely missed.
trottben66 1 year ago
my dad always talked about these guys
hotbuelick 1 year ago
It was every bit as dangerous back then as it is now for the reasons stillavril says including tyre technology, these riders should get all our praise 5's
bikedemon99 2 years ago
'A walk in the park', 'a sport tour': which bit? Considering they only had 50bhp, not 200, and rode on moped tyres, and had drum brakes that burned to a cinder if you used them too hard and too long, both riders were going 'quiet fast', in my opinion! Mike was playing with Tommy, putting on a show for the crowd, riders were like that in those days. Note how quick he caught Tommy, who had an advantage in acceleration and braking, being much lighter. But Tommy NEVER beat Mike in a real scrap.
sparra1946 2 years ago
Great riders going for it, but it looked like a walk in the park.
It seems that Silverstone was still growing into a circuit from it's airfield days.
ps. great to hear Mr Cholmondely-Warner doing the commentry.
stillavril 2 years ago
Gr8 post. I still see Tommy, happy in his retirement, can't wait to tell him about this vid. got any of Brian Purslow?
P39Bon 2 years ago
When you see Tommy, please wish him all the best from me, he is a truly great man, sorry I have no video of Brian Purslow.
megasuggs 2 years ago
Great footage :-)
This is my wonderful Dad with his good friend Mike Hailwood..R.I.P.
They were fantastic friends. Sadly Mike is no longer with us..but my Dad most definatley is..still loving the bikes and a fantastic man to everyone who meets him.
I am very lucky and proud to say he is my father. These videos are great to see up here for all to view.
Thanks for giving both myself and his grandchildren the chance to see him in action :-)
nattrobb 1 year ago 2
@nattrobb You are right to be proud of your dad, he was a great rider, I saw him race many times, I also remember his great TT commentary from Ballacraine,
I wish him a long and happy retirement.
megasuggs 1 year ago
Comment removed
nattrobb 1 year ago
thanks. I will let him know :)
nattrobb 1 year ago
@megasuggs "My only concern was how many people were waiting for ME to arrive"
twostrokeornill1 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@megasuggs My only concern was how many people were waiting for ME to arrive
twostrokeornill1 1 year ago
I recall going to look at a bike that had gone into the harbour at Portstewart during the North West 200, roundabout 1969 or so. (The old course used to go along the promenade). I seem to remember that it was Tommy's bike? He is still very often spoken about over here.
kangaroocomedy 2 years ago
i've just bought tommys book( from tt to tokyo) at llangollen bike show, looking forward to reading it. please wish him all the best. thanks.
tokaijazz 2 years ago
Amazing how much things have come along in 40 years, they look like they're on a sport tour compared to today's riders.
wsbill14224 3 years ago
one and only Mike the bike
pospan84 3 years ago 4
Used to talk to wee Tommy when he had his shop in Warrington, what a nice fella would always talk about his racing days.
blackpudscoffer 4 years ago
nice piece of film.
roadrocket 4 years ago 2