1963 Senior IOMTT

Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, Michelle Duff, Alan Shepherd, Jack Ahern at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy motorcycle races in 1963

[@canadianbacon179]

#3 "Duff" on his Matchless. My friend and wonderful human being!❤😊

[@eskertoo]

I was a kid of 11 years old in 1963 and had just developed an interest in motorcycle racing.The return of the the Gileras fascinated me especially as they had beaten Mike Hailwood in an earlier grand prix.But the loss of Derek Minter to injury had severely dented their title aspirations.......as Geoff Duke remarked Minter was the only rider in the world who raced as fast and hard as Mike Hailwood.Phil Read was signed up but Geoff Duke did not have confidence in him.John Hartle was magnificent in this TT race and he lapped at over 105 mph.What a smooth and stylish rider he was!The gearbox trouble that Hailwood suffered late in the race meant that he resorted to changing gear by hand according to the 'Motor Cycle' magazine!I was lucky enough to visit the IOM in 1964 to see the great Mike Hailwood and also in 1966, and 67.Great days and great memories.