I'm getting old and forget exact dates, but this is almost certainly a pic from SMBH's attempt on the world motorcycle one-hour record. This had been held since the late fifties by Robert MacGregor "Bob Mac" McIntyre, 350c.c. Gilera, at a speed of 144m.p.h. Hailwood broke this record, but on a 500c.c. bike. I think I am correct in stating that McIntyre's record still holds good for a 350c.c. McIntyre's record was set at Autodromo Del Monza , where conditions on the banking were so appalling that Mac gave up the attempt on the 500cc Gilera because of the ferocious vibration. Even when he made the switch to the 350c.c., his hands and feet had to be taped to the bars and pegs to combat the vibration. The throttle, of course, was fixed in the wide open position. - Frankie Connolly

That's Stan holding up the GAS sign at Daytona, 196-4 when Hailwood set the world speed record.I think that is a Nick Nicholls image.- Dean Adams

On a fine February morning at the Daytona Speed Bowl Mike attempted to break Bob McIntyre's One Hour Speed Record of 143mph set at Monza in 1957.With his father Stan holding the signal board for him (as seen in the photo) he managed to set a new World Record of 144.8mph. I seem to remember a caption in the paper saying, 144.8 Miles in one hour and all before breakfast.In the afternoon of the same day Mike went on to win the U.S.Grand Prix on his 500 M.V.with Phil Read second on a Matchless - Eddie Major

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