Mike Hailwood

Hailwood was born at Langsmeade House, Great Milton in Oxfordshire, the only son and elder child of Stanley William Bailey Hailwood, a millionaire businessman and managing director of a motorcar sales company{{Cite ODNB|url=https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-31188|title=Hailwood, (Stanley) Michael Bailey (1940–1981), racing motorcyclist|year=2004|access-date=22 February 2021|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/31188}} as well as successful motorcycle dealer. He had also raced, in the pre-World War II era. Hailwood had a comfortable upbringing;{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=187&lpos=0px&letter=H&txtFname=&rblFname=S&txtLname=&rblLname=S&discipline=0|title=AMA Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame | Mike Hailwood|website=Motorcyclemuseum.org|access-date=22 February 2021}} he learned to ride at a young age on a minibike as a small boy in a field near his home. He was educated at Purton Stoke Preparatory School, Kintbury,{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} and Pangbourne Nautical College where he wore a RN cadet uniform, but left early and worked for a short time in the family business before his father sent him to work at Triumph motorcycles.{{Cite web|url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/mikehailwood.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061113015327/http://www.superbikeplanet.com/mikehailwood.htm|url-status=dead|title=Who Was The Man Many Call The Greatest Roadracer Ever?, by Dean Adams, Superbike Planet, 1998|archive-date=13 November 2006|access-date=22 February 2021}}

Hailwood saw his first race at age 10 with his father, and first spectated at the Isle of Man TT races in 1956.Motorcycle News, The First Ten Years Anniversary Supplement, March 1966, pp. 6 & 12. Retrieved 25 April 2014

He first raced on 22 April 1957, at Oulton Park, finishing in 11th place. In 1958 he won ACU Stars at 125 cc, 250 cc, and 350 cc classes, earning him the Pinhard Prize, an accolade awarded yearly to a young motorcyclist under 21, who is adjudged to have made the most meritorious achievement in motorcycle sport during the preceding year.{{Cite web|url=http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/about/pinhard-prize/|title=Pinhard Prize|website=Sunbeam-mcc.co.uk|access-date=22 February 2021}} He teamed with Dan Shorey to win the Thruxton 500 endurance race and finished in four classes of TT race with one podium.

File:Honda RC162.jpg By 1961, Hailwood was racing for up-and-coming Japanese factory Honda. In June 1961, he became the first man in the history of the Isle of Man TT to win three races in one week when he won in the 125 cc, 250 cc and 500 cc categories.{{cite news |title=T.T Ace Killed On Last Lap |work=Evening Times |date=16 June 1961 |access-date=6 April 2011 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lexAAAAAIBAJ&pg=2098,5993772&dq=mike+hailwood&hl=en}} He lost the chance at winning a fourth race when his 350 AJS failed with a broken gudgeon pin whilst leading. Riding a four-stroke, four-cylinder 250 cc Honda, Hailwood won the 1961 250cc world championship.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/riders/profile/profiles/Mike+Hailwood|title=MotoGP™ Riders|website=Motogp.com|access-date=22 February 2021}}

In 1962, Hailwood signed with MV Agusta and went on to become the first rider to win four consecutive 500cc World Championships.

In February 1964 during preparations for the US Grand Prix, Hailwood set a new one-hour speed record on the MV 500 cc recording an average speed of {{Convert|144.8|mph|abbr=on}} on the oval-shaped, banked speed-bowl at the Daytona circuit. The previous record of {{Convert|143|mph|abbr=on}} was set by Bob McIntyre on a 350 cc Gilera at Monza in 1957. Hailwood then went on to win the GP race, which carried World Championship points, in the afternoon of the same day.Carrick, Peter Motor Cycle Racing Hamlyn Publishing, 1969, p. 95/96 A day at Daytona {{ISBN|0 600 02506 3}} Accessed 23 March 2014

During 1965, Hailwood entered selected UK events riding for the Tom Kirby Team. In heavy rain, Hailwood won the 1965 Hutchinson 100 Production race at the Silverstone circuit on a BSA Lightning Clubman entered by dealer Tom Kirby, beating the Triumph Bonnevilles entered by Syd Lawton.Motor Cycle, 19 August 1965. p. 2a BSA Triumph factory full-page advert. "BSA win Hutchinson '100' production machine class. !st. Mike Hailwood, BSA Lightning (Entered by T.W Kirby Ltd), 2nd Phil Read Triumph Bonneville, 3rd Percy Tait (Entered by Lawton and Wilson Ltd)." Accessed 30 March 2014 The 'Hutch' was a main production race of the season along with the Thruxton 500, so it was very important for manufacturers to establish the racing potential of their recent models. As this was production-based racing open to all entrants, 'official' works teams were ineligible; instead, machines were prepared and entered through well-established factory dealers. BSA Lightning Clubmans were ridden by Hailwood (carrying number 1 on the fairing) and factory rider Tony Smith, whilst Triumph Bonnevilles were ridden by World Champion Phil Read and works employee Percy Tait. Conditions were poor and Smith retired from the race at slippery Stowe Corner. Hailwood lapped at {{convert|83|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} to establish his winning lead.Motor Cycle, 19 August 1965. p. 242/244. Hutchinson '100' race report Accessed 30 March 2014{{cite book|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Best of British Bikes|publisher=Patrick Stephens Ltd|year=1990|isbn=1-85260-033-0|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bestofbritishbik0000reyn}}

File:Hailwood Read Gould Cadwell start cropped.JPG with Phil Read on Yamaha number 61 closely followed by Rod Gould Bultaco 33, around 1967]]

File:Mike the bike.tiff

After his successes with MV Agusta, Hailwood went back to Honda and won four more world titles in 1966 and 1967 in the 250 cc and 350 cc categories. At the 'Motor Cycle' 500 race at Brands Hatch in 1966, Hailwood demonstrated a Honda CB450 Black Bomber fitted with a sports fairing.Motor Cycle, 7 July 1966. p. 22/23 Scratcher's Marathon. Motor Cycle's 500—mile race. "A plane was specially chartered to fly riders back from the previous day's Dutch Grand Prix. One who took advantage of this was Mike Hailwood and here [pictured] he brakes as he completes demonstration laps on a Honda CB450 before racing begins" Accessed 1 April 2014 It was unable to compete in the 500cc category, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) deeming that it was not classified as a production machine as it had two overhead camshafts.Motor Cycle, 19 May 1966, p. 664 Racing Line by David Dixon. "The Honda CB450 is not yet regarded as a 'production' machine...the CSI decided not to change the rules—under which machines with two overhead camshafts are barred—as it would be 'unfair to make a chance in mid season'.". Accessed 1 April 2014

Hailwood enjoyed great success at the Isle of Man TT. By 1967, he had won 12 times on the island mountain course. He won what many historians consider to be the most dramatic Isle of Man race of all time, the 1967 Senior TT against his great rival, Giacomo Agostini.50 Years Of Moto Grand Prix (1st edition). Hazelton Publishing Ltd, 1999. {{ISBN|1-874557-83-7}} In that race he set a lap record of {{Convert|108.77|mi/h|km/h|2|abbr=on}} on the Honda RC181, that stood for the next eight years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iomtt.com/tt-database/events/races?meet_code=ALL&ride_id=1845|title=Mike Hailwood Isle of Man TT Race Results - iomtt.com: The World's #1 TT Website|website=Iomtt.com|access-date=22 February 2021}}

File:500cc race. Mike Hailwood (nr. 2) in duel met Giacomo Agostini (nr. 1), Bestanddeelnr 920-4317.jpg (1) during the 1967 500cc Dutch TT.]]

After suffering breakdowns in 1967, Hailwood had intended to re-sign for Honda provided the 1968 machinery was to his satisfaction, and had relocated to South Africa where he started a building business with former motorcycle Grand Prix rider Frank Perris, completing their first house in October 1967, also selling one to ex-racer Jim Redman. Hailwood stated to Motorcycle Mechanics that even without suitable machinery from Honda he would not go elsewhere, preferring to retire prematurely and he would in any case finish at the end of the 1968 season.Motorcycle Mechanics, February 1968, p. 23/25. Mike Hailwood Talks! 20 Questions: Interview with Mike Hailwood by Brian Smith. Accessed 15 March 2014

For 1968, Honda pulled out of Grand Prix racing, but paid Hailwood £50,000 (equivalent to over £870,000 at 2020 value) not to ride for another team, in expectation of keeping him as its rider upon return to competition.Goodwin, C. 1999. Untouchable... Unforgettable... Mike Hailwood. Motor Sport. LXXV/6, 86-93File:TemporadaRiccione 1969WP.JPG street circuit, part of the Temporada Romagnola Italian series of street-races]]

Hailwood continued to ride Hondas during 1968 and 1969 in selected race meetings without World Championship status including European events in the Temporada Romagnola (Adriatic Season of street-circuits), sometimes wearing an unfamiliar plain-silver helmet, including on a 500 cc engined machine which used frames privately commissioned by Hailwood.Motor Cyclist Illustrated, May 1968 p. 12 Rimini race report by Carlo Perelli, 350 cc 1st M. Hailwood, Honda. 500 cc 1st G. Agostini, MV Agusta, 2nd M. Hailwood, HRS and p. 50 Cesenatico race report, 500 cc, 1st G. Agostini, MV Agusta, 2nd M. Hailwood, Honda Special. Accessed 5 April 2014Motorcycle Mechanics, October 1969, p. 24. Full Chat by John Day. "Mike Hailwood was sure to receive all kinds of tempting offers to keep him in motorcycle racing, and from the fabulous levels to which these rose, even he can be forgiven for weakening and donning his leathers for a final fling. Seemingly the offers Mike received to race in Italy were just about the highest ever offered in motorcycle racing, amounting to several thousand pounds. The Italian promoters appreciated that Mike stopped racing mainly because of the lack of good machinery. So with this in mind, their hope was to lure him back with the aid of Benelli or Morini. They didn't reckon on him turning up at Riccione with a Honda!" Accessed 11 April 2014

Hailwood also appeared in selected UK events, in 1968 appearing in the post-TT race at Mallory Park on a Honda,[http://www.classicbikersclub.com/files/customcontent/wallpaper/cbc001-1024x768.jpg Hailwood at Mallory Park startline], Classicbikersclub.com, Retrieved 5 April 2014 and in 1969 he participated in the Mallory Park Race of the Year riding a Seeley[http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/galleries/videos.php Hailwood at 1969 Race of the Year], Vintagebike.co.uk, Retrieved 5 April 2014

He had already started to race cars and with no other factory racing teams available to compete against MV Agusta,Motorcycle Mechanics, December 1970, p. 20. Full Chat by Charlie Rous. "Hailwood & Hannah. Mike Hailwood has said that if a bike can be produced to beat the MV he wants to be on it! From this, he has indicated his interest in the plan of Liverpool dealer Bill Hannah to sponsor a new three-cyclinder world challenger within his Hannah-Paton team." Accessed 10 May 2014 Hailwood decided to pursue a career in car racing, placing third in the 1969 Le Mans 24-Hour race in France as a co-driver of a Ford GT40 with David Hobbs.Motorcycle Mechanics, February 1968, p. 23/25. Mike Hailwood Talks! 20 Questions: Interview with Mike Hailwood by Brian Smith. "Q: You've always raced in a conventional style helmet. Have you tried the 'jet' style? A: Yes, and I found that the wind tended to get in the sides and this was uncomfortable. I wear one for car racing because it definitely gives better protection." Accessed 19 March 2014

In 1970, Hailwood was again lured back into bike racing, this time by the BSA team riding a Rocket 3 at the Daytona 200 race in Florida, part of a strong BSA/Triumph team. Whilst placed at the head of the field the machine soon failed due to overheating.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/blogs/dick-manns-1970-daytona-200-victory-mann-machine/|title=Dick Mann's 1970 Daytona 200 Victory | Mann & Machine|website=Motorcyclistonline.com|access-date=22 February 2021}} Hailwood again rode for BSA at the 1971 Daytona race, qualifying on the front row. He led the race but again broke down.[http://www.superbikeplanet.com/emdeonhailwood.htm Superbike Planet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111837/http://www.superbikeplanet.com/emdeonhailwood.htm |date=24 September 2015 }} Retrieved 4 November 2014{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/about-us/collection/|title=The Collection | National Motorcycle Museum|website=Nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk|access-date=22 February 2021}} Hailwood's son David completed a demonstration lap of the Isle of Man TT course on 3 June 2002, riding his father's Daytona 1971 BSA Rocket 3 carrying large letters 'H' instead of a race number. He crashed at low speed when waving to the spectators at Governor's Bridge, a tight hairpin bend close to the end of the 37-mile course.Classic Bike, August 2002, p. 9 Lap of Honour slip for Hailwood's son Accessed and added 4 November 2014

During his car racing career, Hailwood raced in Formula One and World Sports Cars, but never achieved the same level of success that he had found on motorcycles. He participated in 50 Formula One Grands Prix, starting with an early phase between 1963 and 1965, debuting in the British Grand Prix on 20 July 1963, achieving two podium finishes and scoring a total of 29 championship points.{{Cite web|url=http://www.4mula1stats.com/driver/Mike_Hailwood|title=Mike Hailwood Formula 1 driver|website=4mula1stats.com|access-date=22 February 2021}}

Hailwood entered the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona as co-driver to Innes Ireland using a Ferrari, but Ireland broke down with gearbox problems after {{fraction|3|1|2}} hours, before Hailwood was scheduled to participate."Hailwood home". Motorcycle News, 16 February 1966, p.1. Accessed 20 April 2024

Hailwood was in contention for a victory at his first Formula One race in six years, the 1971 Italian Grand Prix. The first five finishers were covered by only 0.61 seconds, and Hailwood was fourth, 0.18s behind the winner Peter Gethin. He won the {{F2|1972}} Formula Two European title and earned a podium finish at the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans.{{Cite web|url=http://www.devontophotels.com/formula2net/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202054842/http://formula2.net/F272_Tables.htm|url-status=dead|title=F2 Register - Index|archive-date=2 February 2017|website=Devontophotels.com|access-date=22 February 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.experiencelemans.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212055106/http://www.experiencelemans.com/en-us/dept_168.html|url-status=dead|title=24 Hours of Le Mans Posters and Memorabilia Shop & Results Database|archive-date=12 February 2010|website=Experiencelemans.com|access-date=22 February 2021}} Hailwood ran three full seasons in the European Shellsport F5000 series 1969-71 and was 2nd in the 1972 Tasman F5000 series in which he drove a 5000 engined TS8 F1 chassis.

File:Yardley McLaren MH0067.jpg at Brands Hatch in 1974]]

Hailwood was recognised for his bravery when in the 1973 South African Grand Prix he went to pull Clay Regazzoni from his burning car after the two collided on the third lap of the race. Hailwood's driving suit caught fire, but after being extinguished by a fire marshal he returned to help rescue Regazzoni, an act for which he was awarded the George Medal, the second-highest gallantry award that a British civilian can be awarded.{{Cite web|url=https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-haimik.html|title=Latest Formula 1 Breaking News - Grandprix.com|website=Grandprix.com|access-date=22 February 2021}}

In 1974 he drove a works Yardley-sponsored McLaren M23 and sometimes outpaced team leader Emerson Fittipaldi. He left Formula One after being injured badly at the 1974 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring and retired to New Zealand,[http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/mike-hailwood-ducati-isle-of-man-tt-steve-wynne.aspx?PageId=1#axzz2wlHs1iBZ Motorcycle Classics Mike Hailwood's TT-winning Ducati] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030215457/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/mike-hailwood-ducati-isle-of-man-tt-steve-wynne.aspx?PageId=1#axzz2wlHs1iBZ |date=30 October 2014 }} Retrieved 23 March 2014 where he was involved with a marine engineering business together with former McLaren manager Phil Kerr.Cocktail Comeback. Hailwood, the toast of the TT with a taste of Martini. Motorcycle News 25 January 1978, pp.30-31. Retrieved 25 January 2022

He was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1975 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews.{{Cite AV media|people= Pauline Hailwood |date= 14 May 2017 |title= Mike Hailwood This is Your Life |type= Interview with Pauline Hailwood|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SvpPuKtymw|access-date= 25 January 2022|publisher= Youtube}}

In 1977, Hailwood had travelled to Australia to ride large-capacity Ducatis in long-distance races and a 30-lap event on a Yamaha, together with historic race machines. Achieving some success, he entered a 3-hour long-distance event in April 1978, as before with Australian co-rider Jim Scaysbrook.[https://amcn.com.au/editorial/mike-hailwood-in-oz/ Mike Hailwood in Oz] Australian Motor Cycle News, 26 August 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2019[https://amcn.com.au/editorial/amaroo-park-and-the-castrol-six-hour/ Amaroo Park and the castrol Six Hour] Australian Motor Cycle News, 4 November 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2019 Also in April, Hailwood rode at the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix, for the first time on a 750 Yamaha that he was later to ride in the Classic TT race.Hailwood Humbled Motorcycle News 5 April 1978, p.3. Accessed 21 January 2022

In May 1978, Hailwood rode a demonstration to spectators at a Donington Park national motorcycle race day of the Yamaha XS1100 with full fairing in Martini colours, which he was to use to re-acquaint himself with the TT course, including any subsequent alterations since he raced at the Isle of Man in the late 1960s. Martini was to sponsor most of his TT race machines provided by the UK Yamaha importer Mitsui. He stayed on for the following Monday to test his Yamaha TZ750, TZ500 and TZ250 race machines together with his F1 TT Ducati which he had previously tested in the rain at Oulton Park.Martini back TT Mike. Motorcycle News 18 January 1978, front cover. Retrieved 22 January 2022Mike's Rain Dance. Motorcycle News 10 May 1978, p.46. Accessed 23 January 2022Mike's TT test. Motorcycle News 17 May 1978, p.3. Accessed 22 January 2022

On 3 June 1978, after an 11-year hiatus from mainstream motorcycling, Hailwood made a comeback at the Isle of Man TT in the Formula I race, a World Championship class based on large-capacity road machines first introduced for 1977.[https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motorcycling/how-an-illustrious-list-of-ulster-stars-showed-true-class-to-leave-a-lasting-impression-on-the-worldfamous-tt-36970364.html How an illustrious list of Ulster stars showed true class to leave a lasting impression on the world-famous TT] Belfast Telegraph, 2 June 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2019

Few observers believed that the 38-year-old would be competitive at the TT races after such a long absence, but riding a Ducati 900SS provided by Manchester (UK) dealership Sports Motorcycles, he won the F1 race.{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/mike-hailwood-ducati-900tt1-racer.aspx|title=Road Test: Mike Hailwood's Ducati 900TT1 racer|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=20 August 2009|date=September–October 2009|author=Alan Cathcart}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.iomtt.com/tt-database/events?meet_code=TT78++&era=4|title=TT 1978 Meetings - iomtt.com: The World's #1 TT Website|website=Iomtt.com|access-date=22 February 2021}} Machines for other race categories were provided by Yamaha NV (Netherlands);Martini back TT Mike...and it's works Yamahas for Hailwood's return. Motorcycle News, 18 January 1978, cover. Retrieved 29 December 2021 Hailwood finished 12th in the 250 cc Junior event, 28th in the 500 cc Senior race being affected by a faulty steering damper,Motocourse history of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races: 1907-1989, p.156 {{ISBN|978-0905138718}} Accessed 9 March 2021 and a DNF in the Classic (1000 cc) race.[https://www.iomtt.com/tt-database/events/races?meet_code=ALL&ride_id=1845 Race results, Mike Hailwood] iomtt.com Retrieved 26 February 2021

Hailwood was awarded 'Man of the Year' for 1978 after a public vote organised by Motorcycle News weekly newspaper.Man of the Year 1978 Motorcycle News, 17 January 1979, pp.27-30 and front cover. Retrieved 29 December 2021 After the June 1978 TT races, he again rode in Australia with Scaysbrook in the Castrol Six Hour event, followed by the 1979 Adelaide Three Hour race.

Hailwood raced at the 1979 Isle of Man TT before retiring for good at the age of 39. In that final Isle of Man appearance, he rode a two-stroke Suzuki RG 500 to victory in the Senior TT. He then opted to use that same 500 cc bike in the Unlimited Classic and diced for the lead with Alex George (1100cc Honda) for all six laps. A minute or two apart on the road, they were rarely a few seconds apart on time each lap, Hailwood losing by two seconds.

File:Mike Hailwood Headstone.jpg]]

Following his retirement from motor sport, in late 1979 Hailwood established a Honda-based retail motorcycle dealership in Birmingham named Hailwood and Gould, in partnership with former motorcycle racer Rodney Gould.Motor Cycle News 4 February 1981 p. 62 Advert "Hailwood & Gould 60-98 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 8LA." "Previously owned superbikes now in stock". Accessed and added 3 October 2014

On Saturday 21 March 1981, Hailwood set off in his Rover SD1 with his children Michelle and David to collect some fish and chips. As they returned along the A435 Alcester Road through Portway, Warwickshire,[http://onlinenews.warwickshire.police.uk/releases/archive/2006/03/2006314Policelaunchbi/old_wpapressrelease_view Warwickshire Police] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232833/http://onlinenews.warwickshire.police.uk/releases/archive/2006/03/2006314Policelaunchbi/old_wpapressrelease_view |date=26 April 2014 }} Retrieved 25 April 2014 near their home in Tanworth-in-Arden, a lorry made an illegal turn through the barriers onto the central reservation, and their car collided with it. Michelle, aged nine, was killed instantly. Mike and David were taken to hospital, where Mike died two days later from severe internal injuries.[http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/search/results?sourcecategory=birthsutf002c%20marriages%20utf0026%20deaths&lastname=hailwood&yearofdeath=1981&yearofdeath_offset=0&keyword=warwickshire&collection=deaths%2b%2526%2bburials England and Wales death records]. Genesreunited.co.uk, Retrieved 22 March 2014 He was 40 years old. David survived with minor injuries. The lorry driver was fined £100.

Hailwood claimed to have been told by a fortune teller in South Africa that he would not live to 40 and would be killed by a truck.{{Citation needed|reason=see talk|date=June 2024}} The story was repeated by Elizabeth McCarthy in a 1981 memoir, while recounting her relationship with Hailwood, whom she had met at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1967. When he asked for her hand in marriage, she replied that she was hesitant to marry someone who could die at any weekend race. He then told her his story and said; "...I will be killed by one of those damn lorries – so, you see, it won't happen on a track".{{Cite web|url=http://forix.autosport.com/8w/hailwood.html|title=8W - Who? - Mike Hailwood|website=Forix.autosport.com|access-date=22 February 2021}}

File:Ducati 900 cc Mike Hailwood Replica 1984.jpg

An annual 'Mike Hailwood Memorial Run' was discontinued after the 2011 event.[https://sites.google.com/site/mikehailwoodmemorialrun/ Memorial run ended] Retrieved 16 March 2014 The starting point was the former Norton factory in Aston, Birmingham, then on to Portway, where the accident occurred, followed by a service at the church in Tanworth-in-Arden.{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/700-bikers-to-honour-memory-of-solihull-150657|title=700 bikers to honour memory of Solihull racer|first=Brett|last=Gibbons|date=19 March 2011|website=Birminghammail.co.uk|access-date=22 February 2021}}

Hailwood retired with 76 Grand Prix victories, 112 Grand Prix podiums, 14 Isle of Man TT wins and 9 World Championships, including 37 Grand Prix wins, 48 Grand Prix podiums, 6 Isle of Man TT wins and 4 World Championships in 500cc.

He was awarded the Segrave Trophy for 1979 "in recognition of his Isle of Man exploits in the Senior and Classic TTs", with his close friend Ted Macauley also awarded a special Seagrave Medal.Motor Cycle News 17 September 1980 p. 8 Seagrave Trophy for Mike. Accessed and added 30 September 2014{{cite web |url=https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/archive/archive_navmain5 |website=www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk |access-date=22 February 2022 |title=Archived copy |archive-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715095325/https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/archive/archive_navmain5 |url-status=dead }} Hailwood was the Patron of a small charity – The Joan Seeley Pain Relief Memorial Trust – named in tribute to Colin Seeley's first wife Joan, who died in 1979.

The FIM named him a Grand Prix "Legend" in 2000.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Legends|title=MotoGP™ Riders|website=Motogp.com|access-date=22 February 2021}} He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2001.{{Cite web|url=http://motorsportshalloffame.com/main/03_halloffame.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525043620/http://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/main/03_halloffame.htm|url-status=dead|title=Mike Hailwood at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame|archive-date=25 May 2011|access-date=22 February 2021}}

After Hailwood's victory at the 1978 Isle of Man Formula One motorcycle race, Ducati offered a 900SS-based Mike Hailwood Replica for sale. Approximately 7,000 were sold.{{cite web|url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/289/7782/Motorcycle-Article/Memorable-MC--Mike-Hailwood-Ducati-Replica.aspx|title = Memorable MC: Mike Hailwood Ducati Replica|first = Frank|last = Melling|date = 23 August 2010|work = Motorcycle USA|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100825133357/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/289/7782/Motorcycle-Article/Memorable-MC--Mike-Hailwood-Ducati-Replica.aspx|archive-date = 25 August 2010|url-status = live|access-date = 4 February 2012|quote = The Hailwood replicas just wouldn't stop selling and, although the final figure is unclear, something in the region of 7,000 official MH replicas left Ducati. In fact, they transformed the poor selling 900SS into a financial success and played a significant role in keeping the factory alive.}}

In 1981, a section of the Snaefell Mountain Course was named as Hailwood's Rise leading to the highest point at Hailwood's Height in his honour.[https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/motorcycles/take-record-breaking-iom-tt-ride-peter-hickman Take a record-breaking IOM TT ride with Peter Hickman] motorsport.com, 5 December 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020 In 1984, Pauline Hailwood officially opened the Mike Hailwood Centre,[http://www.ttfan.co.uk/tt2914a.htm Hailwood Centre is now thirty years old] BBHMG, June 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2018 a multi-purpose building located at the TT Grandstand in Douglas run as a refreshment outlet during TT and Manx Grand Prix motorcycle race periods. Operated by the Mike Hailwood Foundation, an Isle of Man-based charity, it is staffed by volunteers and also promotes the races together with supporting new competitors.[http://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/re-think-on-use-of-centre-built-in-honour-of-hailwood/ Re-think on use of centre built in honour of Hailwood] Manx Radio, 13 July 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2017[https://www.acu.org.uk/news/2014/03/mike-hailwood-foundation-attracts-25-newcomers/ Mike Hailwood Foundation attracts 25 newcomers] Auto-Cycle Union, 11 March 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2017[http://www.stevesplace.org/index.php/11-racing/tt/1321-team-founds-racing-receives-isle-of-man-tt-mike-hailwood-foundation-scholarship-award Team Founds receives Mike Hailwood Foundation scholarship award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108095824/http://www.stevesplace.org/index.php/11-racing/tt/1321-team-founds-racing-receives-isle-of-man-tt-mike-hailwood-foundation-scholarship-award |date=8 November 2017 }} 1 June 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2017

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Coming from a prosperous background, during his early career Hailwood had enjoyed a privileged lifestyle and even before his move from MV to Honda in 1966 was the world's highest-paid rider. He lived a playboy lifestyle as a jet-setter covering 30,000 road miles and 160,000 air miles in a year travelling to circuits around the world whilst based in his bachelor-flat at Heston, West London, where he kept his high-powered sports cars.Carrick, Peter Motor Cycle Racing Hamlyn Publishing, 1969, p. 68 {{ISBN|0 600 02506 3}} Accessed 22 March 2014

In 1964, together with British commentator and journalist Murray Walker, he published a book, The Art of Motorcycle Racing. After relocating to South Africa in 1967, he confirmed to Motorcycle Mechanics in 1968 that he would only be spending the same length of time there as in the previous eight years when he spent two winter months staying at the farm of racer Paddy Driver near Johannesburg. Hailwood also stated "And as far as marriage goes—that's strictly for the birds!"

He had two children: daughter Michelle in 1971[http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/search/results?firstname=michelle&lastname=hailwood&keyword=london&sourcecategory=births%252c%2bmarriages%2b%2526%2bdeaths England and Wales birth records]. Retrieved 22 March 2014 and son David. He married their mother, model Pauline, on 11 June 1975.[http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/search/results?lastname=hailwood&eventyear=1975&eventyear_offset=0&keyword=berkshire&sourcecategory=births%252c%2bmarriages%2b%2526%2bdeaths England and Wales Marriage records]. Retrieved 22 March 2014 Pauline Hailwood died in June 2020 following an illness.[https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/announcements/deaths/deaths/18540185.Pauline_Hailwood/ Pauline Hailwood] Evesham Journal Death notices and Obituaries, 25 June 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020[https://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/pauline-hailwood-has-died Pauline Hailwood has died] bikesportnews.com, 16 June 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)

(key) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{smallsup|‡}} Graded drivers not eligible for European Formula Two Championship points

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

{{notelist}}

{{Portal|Biography}}

• Formula One drivers from the United Kingdom

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.mikethebike.com The Official Mike Hailwood website]
• [http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/competitors.aspx?ride_id=1845 Mike Hailwood at the Isle of Man TT.com]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140301053057/http://www.touristtrophy.im/index.php/historic/51-hailwood Mike Hailwood at TT supporters' website]
• [http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=187 Motorcycle Hall of Fame]
• [http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/mike-hailwood-ducati-isle-of-man-tt-steve-wynne.aspx?PageId=1#axzz2wlHs1iBZ Mike Hailwood's TT-winning Ducati] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030215457/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/mike-hailwood-ducati-isle-of-man-tt-steve-wynne.aspx?PageId=1#axzz2wlHs1iBZ |date=30 October 2014 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140316033908/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article152238.ece Heroes' Heroes: Murray Walker, former motor racing commentator, on Mike Hailwood] preview only available, paywalled (non-free) content
• [http://8w.forix.com/hailwood.html Memories of Mike Hailwood]
• [https://sites.google.com/site/mikehailwoodmemorialrun/ The Mike Hailwood Memorial Run website]

{{S-start}}

{{S-sports}}

{{succession box | before = Ronnie Peterson | title = European Formula Two
Champion | years=1972 | after=Jean-Pierre Jarier}}

{{succession box |

| before = Phil Read

| after = Ron Haslam

| title = TT Formula One World Champion

| years = 1978

|}}

{{S-end}}

{{500 cc/MotoGP Motorcycle World Champions}}

{{350 cc Motorcycle World Champions}}

{{250 cc Motorcycle World Champions}}

{{MotoGP Legends}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hailwood, Mike}}

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