No, the video thing sort of passed me by. I still don't have a telly.
The various Duke vids got shown at the club occasionally, or I've seen them being shown in bars, particularly French Sports Bars. Now so much of that stuff is on utube I guess I won't bother now.
Mallory Park was our local track, about 10 miles away. My Dad was an official in one of the organising clubs, and was always marshalling at every event. He got introduced to many of the top riders, and I followed on in his coat tails.
I do remember Bob Mac and Mike H having a go at a Race of the Year or maybe Post TT. Heroic stuff.
My first recollection there was John Surtees. One of the other marshals at our post (exit from Gerards) put a chalk mark on the track where Surtees ran during practise. He would hit that mark every time.
I also saw Bob Mac at the TT in 61. The first year Hondas came in force. He retired while running 1st on the 250cc, leaving the victory to Mike on a similar bike. A very sweet sour result. All the folk around us were rooting for Bob, and gutted when he retired. Mike was an acceptable alternative.
The Senior was fantastic. The Italian Fire engines getting beat. Mike riding the wheels off the Manx, besting Bob Mac. The Works Norton Domiracer came in 3rd.
Also in 61 I think, at the Post TT. The first time the works Honda team had been there. First time for their riders too. For some reason they were late and missed official practise - a big deal in those days. They should have been non starters. Anyway it was agreed that a few laps, being shown round by an old hand would be sufficient. Of they set two works Honda 4's following a Manx. First couple was a parade. Then it got wound on. A couple more at full chat. Unfortunately, their was an agreement with the village that during Sunday lunch, the track would be silent. An irrate phone call and the red flag shot up the control tower. None of the track marshals noticed, being intent on the scrap taking place. Joe and my Dad did notice however, and being track exit marshals, raised the red flag too.
So there is my Dad stood in the middlle of the track and three bike, all giving it some, concentrating on the line through the esses, and suddenly there is this old guy in the middle of the track with a red flag. All riders standing up on the back brake, fronts locked too. Big darkies along the track and I think my Dad nearly made a contribution as well.