Dave Races

Dave Hailwood has recently had the opportunity to try out one of his father's favorite bike's when he was invited to join in the celebrations at the MV Augusta Revival Meeting in Gallarate, Italy. He attended the meeting with his sponsors and good friends from Portugal, Patrick Degryse and Francis Wallis and spent a most enjoyable weekend learning more about this legendary marque.

There were several highlight's that he particularly enjoyed. One came when he was invited to try out a classic MV four cylinder, and another, was being allowed inside the 'inner sanctum', Count Domenica Augusta's private office. This was the office where his father had once sat and had signed his contract with the famous company. He was also shown the many gleaming trophies, some of which bearing Mike's name, a very proud moment. Two people that Dave would particularly like to thank are Claudio Castiglioni and Arturo Magni for their warm hospitality and generosity. It was a wonderful weekend to remember.

Whilst there, Dave enjoyed chatting with Giacomo Agostini, Carlo Ubbiali and Phil Read; who Dave and I would like to thank for his very nice tribute to Mike in the June issue of 'Classic Bike', nice one Phil.

Another person that Dave was pleased to meet was Utz Raabe, President of the MV Augusta Club Germany, who very kindly invited Dave to the MV Augusta Treffen event in Germany on the 24 - 26th August 2001. Unfortunately, Dave is unable to attend because he's already booked at the Silverstone Historic Festival in England for the three day event on the 25/26/27th August. Dave will be riding a Daytona BSA belonging to Mike Braid and is really looking forward to it. Many famous riders including Gene Romero and Gary Nixon who Mike raced with in the 70's will be competing for 'The Mike Hailwood Memorial Trophy', which I will present, and it looks like being a great weekend. There will also be a 'Mike Hailwood' stand where you will be able to purchase some of the new officially licensed 'Hailwood' goods, so we look forward to seeing you there.