In June 1978, 11 years after he quit Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Mike Hailwood returned to the Isle of Man TT races, probably the most prestigious, and certainly the most demanding, road race in the world. On a privately entered V-twin Ducati he won the Formula One race, beating the works Hondas of Phil Read and the late John Williams, and breaking the lap and race records. It may have seemed a fluke; it was certainly a fairy tale that continued into 1979, when he was fifth in the Formula One race, despite losing top gear and his battery, first in the Senior, and second by only 3.4 seconds in the Classic - probably the finest and closest-fought race the Island has ever seen, Hailwood proved, if anyone doubted, that he was still the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. This book, written by his manager and friend, Ted Macauley, is the account of his dramatic comeback, from the original wild idea to his final race. More than this, though, it is a study of a remarkable man in a remarkable world, and of the races, the machines, and the men who ride them.

About the Author
Ted Macauley is currently the Formula One reporter for the Daily Star Sunday, London, and weekly F1 columnist for Gulf News, in Dubai, UAE. He is also a regular car reviewer for five monthly magazines for Surrey Hills Publishing, and the Lifestyle Editor. He was the Daily Mirror's Chief Sports Feature writer, F1 and MotoGP reporter, until his retirement from the paper in 1997. Ted met Mike Hailwood at the Isle of Man TT in 1961 when Mike rode all four solo classes and became the first rider to win three races in a week. He was just 21. Their friendship flourished from then until Mike Hailwood's tragic death in 1981. Ted has written three books about Mike Hailwood's life and career. Ted was educated at Houldsworth School, Reddish, Cheshire, read English language and literature at Stockport College, and then studied Economics and Economic history at the College of Commerce in Manchester.

Reviews
This book I couldn't put down! Coinciding with this year's 40th anniversary celebrations at the IoM Classic TT of Mike Halewood's incredible win on the Ducati, Veloce has published this new edition of 'Mike the Bike - Again,' now in paperback and with some previously unpublished photos. If you were, or indeed still are, a fan of Mike, this is an ideal volume for you. An excellent read, a 'must have' for any sports fan, highly recommended. - Desmo. The full story is an interesting and enlightening read about the man many believe was the greatest rider of all time. The new publication is a soft-back A5 of 106 pages including quite a number of black and white and colour images. - Isle of Man Examiner. I could not put it down until I'd read the last page, and neither will you. - Nacelle. Impressively informative and nicely illustrated with both black and white and colour photo, this book is a must read for all dedicated motorcycle fans. - Midwest Book Review. With 40 glossy photographs to reflect the anniversary, virtually all of them about Mike's comeback, the book traces the build-up to the amazing event that drew record crowds to the TT when Mike had just ended an 11-year Formula 1 career. - Old Bike Mart.



Book Information
ISBN 9781787113138
Author Ted Macauley
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles