One Day in June released on DVD

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The glorious return of one of motorcycle racing’s biggest names to the Isle of Man TT is the stuff of legend, still one of the most talked about events at the fabled road race more than three decades on.

Now fans can once again relive the incredible return of Mike Hailwood in the classic film One Day in June, at last available on DVD.

In 1978, multiple World Champion Hailwood returned to the iconic 37.73-mile TT course, after a self-imposed 11 year absence from the world famous circuit.

Few doubted Hailwood still possessed the legendary skill which had brought him 12 TT wins, but a comeback at 38, after more than a decade away, was still a daunting prospect.

With a fine handling, but under-powered Ducati V-Twin at his disposal, Mike the Bike went head-to-head with fellow great Phil Read, riding the much faster 4 cylinder Honda in the opening race of the TT festival.

Amazingly, Hailwood roared to victory in the Formula One race.

Fortunately a crew from Outrider Films was on hand to capture this historic moment, and interviews with Hailwood himself as he explains how boredom with his ‘9-5 lifestyle’ had brought him back to racing.

One Day in June is a unique opportunity to see one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time in action in one of his most important races.

This classic film also includes footage from the Senior TT, where Hailwood raced a Yamaha against legends like Pat Hennen and Tom Herron.

In addition, this DVD includes a bonus audio feature offering fans the chance to hear ‘Mike the Bike’ discuss a decade of racing at the TT in the extraordinary Mike Hailwood: My First 10 TT Years.

Recorded at Hailwood’s London flat in 1968, this chat with Peter Arnold chronicles the highs and lows of 10 years racing in the Isle of Man, from fresh-faced teenager to his apparent retirement in 1967.

Digitally remastered from the original Stanley Schofield archive recording, Mike Hailwood: My First 10 TT Years recalls the exhilarating battles, frustrations and tremendous triumphs.

It is a thrilling opportunity to discover how Hailwood managed to stamp his authority on the event, and offers revealing insight and first-hand accounts of some of the most memorable races ever.

The soundtrack to the interview is provided by the Hondas, MV Agustas and other glorious

machines that dominated the TT during Hailwood’s heyday, plus race commentary from such luminaries as Murray Walker.

The classic film One Day in June combined with Hailwood’s recollections of 10 years of TT racing make this a must for all serious racing fans.

One Day in June is released 25 May 2009 on DVD, priced at £12.71 and will be available from leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640 000, fax 01624 640 001 or email mail@dukevideo.com. Visit www.dukevideo.com online.

Rob Hull

By Rob Hull