Race of the Power Bikes

Documentary film originally made for the BBC by award winning filmmaker, Paul Watson, following two motorcycle racers competing at the 1973 Isle of Man TT. One rider is the professional works rider, Peter Williams, and the other is amateur, Graham Bentman.
Paul Watson is one of the great observational documentarians and who has been attributed with being the 'father of reality TV'. This is one of earliest films. I am sorry the quality is not that great but it the only copy in existence... as far as I know.
Peter Williams is my father. This copy is made from a video believed to have been from Dave Croxford, Peter's team mate, who I think is wonderful in this film.
I had a very pleasant lunch with Paul Watson a few years back and he hadn't seen this since it was broadcast. I was glad to be able to get him a copy.
I hope you enjoy it. It's the best documentary about motorcycle racing that I have seen.

[@PurityVendetta]

I honestly don't think Peter Williams ever realised just how much he was held in the highest esteem by so many of us. He was the thinking person's motorcycle racer. I was privileged to chat to him often in his later years and amongst other things he gave me his phone number when I set up my small specialist engineering company in order that I might be able to call him if I needed any advice. That was the kind of man he was humble and very kind. He signed his book to me as a birthday present and I still have two bottles of the Peter Williams ale Hobson's brewed to honour him. He signed my replica helmet as well. I treasure all of these things that have a place of honour in my living room. I'm sad that our country failed to honour this polymath and real gentleman. I wish I'd been old enough to see him race.

[@alanpeck377]

Peter started on a Manx Norton I sold him in 1963; a group of us had many battles on the short circuits in those early days, including Bill Ivy and Rod Gould. later on they became world class riders leaving me behind! Peter always borrowed my ex-wd tube of de-mister when it was wet as his glasses fogged up, I still have it in my toolbox. Not only was Peter a fine rider he rarely threw his bikes down the road and was very trustworthy when riding hard in the pack. He also did me a great favour by recommending me to ride a works BSA in the Barcelona 24 Hour Races. I lost touch with Peter when I emigrated to New Zealand and started riding horses in later years which I now prefer to two wheels. RIP Resurrection In Paradise....hope to see you there Peter... after Armageddon. Alan Peck

[@ianhames2465]

That's a great little story you've added there, I wasn't born until Oct 1963, born too late as they say. Thank you Alan Peck. I had an A10 in 1980, now have a TR7RV 750. This film was a real joy to watch.

[@thargor6750]

This is the best comment I've ever read on KZbin. Thanks for the story ✌️

[@brandonmccomas5363]

Wow your story was beautiful k ky well put thank you for sharing sir 🙏 God bless from ohio USA

[@andrea22213]

Alan, I recently re-read 'Saint on the Scent. in my old copies of Motorcycle Sport. Thoroughly enjoyed it all over again. Thanks

[@StefanMedici]

Thanks for the story, this was all well before my time, but love watching these old docos. Just curious, what brought you to NZ?

[@ImperialRT]

I've finally made it onto KZbin be it that I was only 6 in this film at the time. Thanks Paul for putting it, it means that Dad can talk about it for another 40 years! Lucy (Graham Bentman's youngest daughter)

[@cbestablet4674]

Magic bit of history Lucy.

[@martiniv8924]

RIP Legend Peter Williams, a big part of the Norton story 🙌🏼

[@gavindouglas5581]

My mate Peter Williams won the 1973 t.t on 750 john player commando. Bike number 6.well done. A great rider.

[@tazio2]

David Croxford , Peter Williams ,. You were idols to many young lads then and legends now to us all

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

Absolutely love these brit docos. No hyped up bull no loud music or announcers trying to steal the show just classic human nature stories with beautiful bikes

[@petercourtney9775]

A great film - I was in the F750 that year on Ron May's 500 Triumph - finished 33rd @ 87 mph, and in the 250 Production was 5th on a Kawasaki. Peter Williams was and is a real gentleman, and Dave Croxford one of the real characters of the race circus. The comment by Graham Bentham about 'losing the plot' was so true - I found out that I was not fit enough to do the 4-lap 250TT in the morning, then 5 laps in the afternoon, and almost went 'asleep at the wheel' at one point. luckily on a straight.

[@rotax636nut5]

The late great Peter Williams was/is one of my personal all time hero's, seeing him in this movie so young and with his young family and all his life there in front of him is really emotional for me, God rest one of our very best..

[@densdens7969]

What a fabulous documentary. As a young 15 year old having made it over to the Isle of Man on a day trip from Belfast I watched your father race and win. That race has stayed with me all my life. So much so that I have a print of him on the number 6 JPS Norton on my wall at home. I’ve only just discovered this video on KZbin so thanks for sharing

[@ianmangham4570]

Cool 👍

[@Reefy1952mereman]

Just caught this video. Peter was a great rider. I remember when I was a poor clubman after he had an accident I sent him a get well card, and I was delighted to get a hand written reply. So I always had a soft spot for him. Mike

[@andrea22213]

Peter Williams was an extremely fine rider. If he'd had competitive and reliable bikes he would have become a world champion. He had beaten the mighty Agostini who was on a works MV while riding a Matchless G50, 500cc single. That's how good he was. A very good, sensible, intelligent and classy racer. And a decent gentleman.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

Was it the Arter 'wheelbarrow' Matchless which Williams was riding? If so, it was a very special bike, with a G50 engine.

[@andrea22213]

@@pashakdescilly7517 Yes, the Tom Arter Matchless. One year at The Motorcycle Show he was there with that bike and allowed me to sit on it! The things I remember most were how light the clutch was, one finger was all it took to pull the lever to the grip, and how pleasant he was to me. So I remember him with great affection.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@andrea22213 I wish I could have talked to him. It would also have been marvellous if a conversation with Giulio Carcano (engineer of the 1950s works Moto Guzzi GP bikes) could have happened. Both were deeply inventive engineers who created fast light machines with superb handling and aerodynamics, that could win despite being underpowered. Carcano had rather more resources.....

[@missydee6085]

How absolutely fantastic to see this documentary again after so many years. I still remember watching it as a road racing-mad kid: and I'm happy to say that motorcycle racing still has me in its tight grip! Thank you Paul - for sharing this fascinating slice of history; and please accept my sincere condolences for the recent loss of your remarkable father. He was one of the people in life that was a privilege to witness on track and to learn so much about motorcycle engineering & technology from. My very best wishes to yourself and your family.

[@lawrieflowers8314]

I remember watching this when it first came out, over 45 years ago. And have always remembered the line, near the end, ‘…Peter won it…’ Superb presentation of the TT races, and a great trip down memory lane.

[@johndeere1951a]

All fans miss Peter💔🇬🇧. God speed. Any Commando rider, and racer fancied himself a Peter or Dave. Certainly an golden era for Norton.👍✌️🇬🇧 🇺🇲

[@peteduc748]

i remember watching PW race all those years ago he was awesome

[@guyredshaw1422]

Brilliant! Just read Peter’s book for the second time since buying it a few years ago. A great mix of inspiration and relentless, hard work.

[@simonbrown9783]

Thanks for posting, a real 70s nostalgia trip ! Makes me want to finally sort out my 74 Commando 😊

[@iang953]

Here in 2024, been a massive TT fan and my first visit was 1991. I would have been 5 when this was made but really enjoyed it and just shows though the course hasn't changed much the machines are now from a different planet in comparison.

[@carlocaroni]

your father was a superb tecnician and a superb rider,stylish and gallant.thanks for sharing these piece of history.

[@valhemp]

Brilliant piece of Motor cycle history...

[@johnforrester8332]

Great documentary and insight into Peter Williams life. Thankfully the gearbox held out for the perfect finale 😊

[@bigfilsing]

top stuff ! thanks for posting this vid Classic quote from the commentator " Motorcycle racing is to separate the men from the boys not the quick from the dead"

[@Carriere886]

Hi Paul, I had the chance to meet your father few years ago in Paris, because my dad is Norton enjoyer ... he's a really great guy and made a lot for the motorcycle industry !

[@Tonywization]

Thanks to the up-loader for this brilliant video of my favorite rider of the 60s and 70s.I use to travel to meetings with the Brother of another competitor but to me Peter was the top man with his distinctive style and I always hoped he would also be competing .I once remember camping at Castle Coombe circuit and we arrived when it was dark I was delighted in the morning to find that Peter was parked right next to us in the Paddock and I got to speak to my hero. One of the greats.

[@colvinator1611]

A great piece of TT history. Memories for me watching them race.

[@malcolmhales8181]

Who in the hell thumbs down a video like this?

[@transitTrucker]

There are some weirdos who want the IOM TT banned. Mostly overseas idiots.

[@westers1514]

​@@transitTrucker Where is your evidence that they are "mostly overseas idiots"?

[@minatormyth]

@@westers1514 i deduce you must be the uk idiot then🤔

[@westers1514]

@@minatormyth Go back to your village, it's missing you.

[@albion2742]

Probably those that watch round and round American stock cars.

[@mikecraddock7158]

I watched this as a starry eyed 9 year old and over forty odd years later I'm still addicted to motorcycles. My elder brother copied the paint job of Peter Williams crash helmet (after watching this on the bbc) his poor helmet was sanded down and painted so may times it most lightly would have crumbled if he had come off his bike. Now I'm on my second Hyhabusa after owning everything from R1s to Zx10s......sadly when you get older you have to ride a more upright machine.Really brought back great memories watching this again.....Peter William absolute legend

[@briandear5354]

Remember going into Peters Kawasaki dealership in Southampton as a 17yr old talking to him about motorcycles...i wonder if this conversation led me to being a regular visitor to the IOM TT in later life im now 57...

[@robertcameron5007steelwheel]

I remember the jps Norton and Williams good machine up there with the bsa works team great little video.

[@jamespink4202]

I just love Dave Croxford's attitude! I watched the British/American race series at Brands. Fantastic racing!

[@ianhames2465]

I will share this great film on Telegram. It should find another group of enthusiasts around the world. I loved it.

[@KabouterNZ]

Great bit of history, thanks for uploading.

[@mrstupid]

Met up with Peter at the classic show NEC this year.Watching the new replica start.Still very enthusiastic and a great man.

[@jerrykap44]

I never knew this footage existed. A post on a Norton website lead me to it. I was gobsmacked...it's incredible! All of the Norton faithful have talked about that victory for 40+ years. To actually see it recorded in good quality cinema is a gift from the motorcycle gods. I'm very grateful that we can virtually race our bikes on the information super highway. Happy Holidaze to all.

[@gunton21]

Great video, remember those day's well, I was at the TT that year, loved the sound of the Norton, love Dave croxfords attitude, also sorry to hear that another great rider Percy Tait had recently had a stroke, I wish him a speedy recovery.

[@chucklantz8290]

Peter Williams has always been a favorite of mine, not only for his amazing racing skills, but also because he looks exactly the opposite of what anyone would imagine a talented motorcycle road racer looks like. If I knew nothing about him, judging by his appearance I'd guess that he's a writer for Rolling Stone magazine, or something along those lines.

[@nitrogary1324]

Dave Croxford was our local hero. Bloke was mental as anything, and just didn't give a shit about anything. Today he would be a superstar like Guy Martin

[@valeriebrown8462]

dave croxford,what a lad,i was a marshal @ Castle Combe in 1965,6,7,8,saw him loads of times,very exciting.

[@kevgermany]

Thanks. I remember watching Peter on that Norton. Was amazed how much he got out of it.

[@kaw420TSVR]

Williams, one of the all time greats of motorcycle racing. what an excellent watch!

[@jeanlawley6483]

I was 11 in 1973 and knew the course a dam sight better than Croxford ever did ...

[@GaryGSF]

Great show. It highlighted the problems of the British motorcycle industry. Underinvestment and a make do attitude. Glad to see Triumph back though with great machines. Let's hope there is a make perfect attitude with them now.

[@myleftearful]

This is quite wonderful. I'm 56 years old and my first TT was 1978. Goosebumps"!

[@ManxAndy]

Thankyou for posting this video.....I was 4 years old when this was made, lived on the TT course in Kirk Michael.....bikes passed 3 feet from our front door.....great memories of the sights and sounds.👍🇮🇲

[@MrJules8888]

Peter remains an eloquent, affable English gentleman. Had the pleasure of a brief meeting yesterday at a wonderful classic bike gathering in beautiful Shropshire. A thinking man and someone written into history as a great racer and engineer.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

Ah yes, engineer. He went to Cosworth after his racing crash and loss of his right arm. I would be interested to know what he did there. It was the glory days of Cosworth's dominance in F1.

[@StefanMedici]

Thanks for uploading this. Was fantastic to watch.

[@DonnyOsmond2010]

Fantastic..thanks for letting me see this..

[@RubsfromRamsey]

I remember watching your father race here in the Isle of Man TT races. He was a superb rider and very talented.

[@sirclip]

I watched Peter race many times when I lived in England. He had WAY too much to do with all the Norton suits cutting budgets and restricting technical progress. Only Peter could get that amount of performance riding this motorcycle. The Cosworth engine thing faded away really fast, and, of course Yamaha brought out 700/750's. Thanks for the memories Peter, and thanks to Paul for this posting.

[@MrBiggun12]

Fantastic. I've been trying to find this for years!! Peter is my all time motorcycling hero

[@AustinD1993]

Excellent Documentary! Its amazing that Williams could Still Win even with such a Debby Downer of a Wife! She could hardly even smile when he won! Jeez

[@axnax1]

Wow.. when i was a kid my dad used to take me to brands. My heros were Derek Minter, Dave Degens, Dan Shorey, Ray Pickerill, Rex Butcher, Percy Tait, Dave Croxford, Peter Williams, Phil Smart, John Cooper, Rodney Gould and many more. The smell, the roar, the racing.....especially in the manx norton/bsa/triumph/ajs/matchless era....is still right up there in all my memories. I was never happier than when i was at brands to watch a days racing. You all made my departed dad very happy too. Thanks.

[@thatcatboab]

Loved watching this film. Thank you so much for sharing x

[@upforlastnameleft]

Thanks for posting this video. I was a bike-mad teenager in the Seventies reading the MCN every week. The Norton riders were some of my heroes. I used to take as much interest in Norton's fortunes as Sheene or Read. Great days indeed...

[@mrswinkyuk]

Dave Croxford, what a star!

[@toneh154]

Top quote from Croxford: "I went into the wall.. I dono.. still, lets go have a cup of tea."

[@riley124]

What a gem. Seen it many times. The contrast between Peter Williams and Dave Croxford is clear to see. Also offers an insightful perspective on a privateer team running a Norton. The mass start for the Production TT made the run down Bray Hill challenging.

[@billy10100]

Yes it is brilliant and makes me proud and also makes my 1972 Norton Commando even more loved by me:)

[@norriemurray4012]

I've always been a Norton man, and at 60 years of age am riding a 1972 Norton Commando 750 John Player Norton race replica .

[@billy10100]

@@norriemurray4012 Would love to see a pic of that...mine is a Norvil Cafe Race:)

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Love this, saw it many years ago, brave men on Bikes not 20% as good as today !!! Brakes, Frames, tires etc

[@charlesharper7292]

That awesome Norton growl! Nothing like it. Thanks.

[@kilodurox]

thanks for the upload Paul. So you've sat very close to the podium that year. ;] Peter is a legend! great film... thanks again!

[@Desmo900SS]

Fantastic film. Thanks for this superb piece of history.

[@bretthiscock43]

A great Doco from time gone by, a bit of history. Thanks for sharing

[@mikesullivan8352]

Thank You so much for putting this great film up Paul .Peter and Dave were Our hero's ! Absolutely brilliant coverage of the JPN team. Both were outstanding riders ,as different as chalk and cheese, but when combined as a team they were at the height of their sport. They gave so much enjoyment to the fans of motor cycle racing .Please give Our thanks and best wish's to both when next You see them.

[@davidgniadek924]

Absolutely fantastic film! I remember watching this in late 1973 scraping the pennies together to buy my 1st bike a new Yamaha RD250 PW was always an inspiration for me

[@mikeymike3240]

David gniadek Mine was the Suzuki gt250k, April 73 , niiiiiiiiiiice

[@davidgniadek924]

Mikey mike that’s funny I bought one of those in green after I sold the RD250 but it wasn’t as mad as the RD

[@richardgormley260]

Absolutely loved this. Thank you so much for posting it!!

[@user-ix4ge6rr7u]

Thanks for sharing Paul, absolutely fantastic documentary 👏🏻

[@Thavantslockup]

Brilliant! I remember watching this on TV when first broadcast. I first went to the TT in 1975 and have been to every one since. I followed the Norton / Triumph 750 era closely when I was a lad at school and never missed MCN (a much better paper in those days) and MCWeekly each Wednesday. Great memories - thanks.

[@cheyne15]

Thanks for uploading this vital piece of British motorcycle racing history. Actually it's also a great, if bitter-sweet, comment on the bike industry of those days. If only we'd had people with the vision and courage in the management the same as was exhibited by the people in this film... Twas ever thus.

[@stefanorossi7951]

cheyne15 hr

[@IchibanMoto]

awesome ! thank you so much for sharing this

[@brucekirk5386]

Your repair videos are funny

[@captroft]

They sure are good.

[@theshameofthesun]

a lot of people created magic, Peter Williams, totally unique , privileged

[@andysoch]

Brilliant video. Homage to a great Racer. Homage to a great machine!

[@paulikanerva2388]

Thank you so much for sharing this film. It has a very rare and charming mood to it. Absolutely brilliant.

[@joey64100]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@Instone09ine]

Superb entertainment and great archive. Highly recommended viewing.

[@ewantodd]

Classic film. Thank you so much. Our history. Memories. Cheers

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Thank you. A wonderful documentary about very brave and talented people (riders, their families and mechanics included)

[@brucekirk5386]

Did everyone smoke in the 70s lol

[@zebop917]

Thanks for posting this! I remember watching it on TV when it was originally broadcast. I used to occasionally read my mate's copy of MCN at school so got to know a bit about the Norton effort at that time.

[@a1hamer]

Thank you very much for sharing this superb timecapsule

[@andyb.1026]

Peter Williams was World Champion class, super smooth, poetry in motion.. Why oh why didn't He take up the Japanese offers, instead of polishing that turd of an ancient Norton.

[@SportbikerNZ]

Excellent documentary. It is highly interesting to see a TT story like this from the past. Fascinating.

[@markbarber7839]

Thanks for the video. The Golden age of motorcycles and perhaps extra nostalgic as it is also the dawn of the Japanese brands domination

[@MarkHobbsPhotographer]

Gotta love Dave Croxford!...mental

[@geordienufc3132]

Great coverage and the sound of real bikes was magnificent.

[@pauljenkins2501]

A wonderful film! Thank you.

[@dogtownsurf]

This is great-- a pleasure to watch from beginning to end. Anyone who agrees would do well to track down 'The Roadracers' and 'V Four Victory.' There's actually a dvd out there w/ both films on it. It's hard to fathom the balls it took to do what these guys did on such ancient machinery.

[@querip]

What I've heard them say - "It seemed fast to us"

[@richardthingsilike9562]

1973 70s england was the best! I was eight at the time, my brother was born in the august. amazing hair and style😃

[@Womanwolfrider]

Thanks for sharing, brilliant

[@big500]

Fantastic.....love the Aston, Dave.....bet you wish you still had it

[@jochenwagner5170]

I hope the main gearbox bearing, holding the main walve, are changed into maybe SKF roller bearings? I had bad problems once upon a time on the track with it on my LowBoy Domiracer, that bearing exploded into a thousand pieces, the back wheel blocked…… Phantastic video from our grandpas, thank you very much!🍀

[@dtbrace]

Great era of motorcycle racing went to many races to watch back then brings back good memory's...

[@ianmangham4570]

Congratulations to Peters son for this awesome upload

[@stevec-b6214]

gritty, raw excitement and tension thanks

[@MrConan89]

Brilliant.... two great riders. In 2014 my pal was judge at Concours in bike/car show Mumbai with Agostini and Read. He bought Phil Read back to Hong Kong where I was attending someone's 85th birthday. He was a really cool easy going guy

[@prooney377]

Fantastic piece of history, cheers

[@jimbo99ful]

That was very enjoyable. I was genuinely happy for the Williams fella when he won too.

[@sidewaysid]

Thanks for this takes me back to happy days

[@ideyboo]

Wonderful. Peter was my hero, and Dave never got half the credit he should have had. All things considered, the old Nortons should never have been competitive, just shows what a clever lad and a great rider PJ was. He was dealt a pretty lousy hand by fate, a shame, because he's a lovely bloke.

[@TheMightyAntar]

Thanks for sharing, it's an amazing bit of history. Couldn't help noticing Peter Williams smoking Embassy cigarettes at 23:32 despite the John Player sponsorship even if both brands did come from the same company.

[@fenderblues100]

Great video. Another hero gone now. :(

[@kennycummings3430]

Paul, Glad you put this up. I had converted the copy you gave me a few years ago from PAL to NTSC but it was very low res. Good do, and great to see again.