Another day at the office
After reading the piece about the legend Mike Hailwood, I thought the attached may be of interest, while it also reminded me of what a personable chap he was.
I was at the Race of the Year meeting at Mallory Park, l think it was 1963, where Mike was racing and l had with me a picture l had taken of him jumping his MV at Ballaugh Bridge during the Senior TT. I was in the paddock and Mike was walking towards me. I had the picture in my hand and asked him if he would autograph it for me. After a little chat he said he wouldn’t sign it on the front as it would spoil the picture, but said he would sign the back. There are a couple of Biro marks still on the back of the picture. When l explained it would certainly not spoil the picture and l could just print another if it did, he willing signed it and I shook his hand.
The thing that struck me about the picture was the fact he looks so relaxed that you would think he was just sitting in his office chair, which on reflection l suppose he was.
Rodney Wildsmith, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire.