MICK GRANT BIOGRAPHY

Mick Grant : Takin’ the Mick

By Mick Grant with Mac McDiarmid
Paperback, 384 pages, 198 x 127mm, 21 colour & 27 b&w illustrations
Mick Grant, leading British motorcycle racer of the 1970s and 1980s, was a factory rider for Norton, Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki. He raced against Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene and Giacomo Agostini, won three grands prix and seven TTs, and later worked in team management. His book, now available in paperback, is packed with frank and funny stories about the great and the dodgy.

MOTORSPORT YEARBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE

    

Autocourse 2011-2012
This sumptuous book has detailed race-by-race reports, vibrant features, comprehensive statistics, technical illustrations and the best photography in the sport, Since 1951 it has, quite simply, been the must-have publication for all serious Formula 1 fans and this year once again it will undoubtedly be the definitive record of an enthralling Formula One Grand Prix season.

Motocourse 2011-2012
Now in it’s 36th year, Motocourse continues to go from strength to strength as the fortunes of MotoGP continue to flourish. Compiled by leading motorcycle journalist Michael Scott, Motocourse is not simply a lavish document of the MotoGP and Superbike seasons, it is a highly collectable resource respected by all within the industry.

MotoGP Season Review 2011
Hardback, 300 x 230mm, 216 pages, 250 colour illustrations
Edited by TV commentator Julian Ryder, this book includes expert contributions on the technical side from Neil Spalding and stunning photography by Andrew Northcott. The supporting categories are also covered, and clearly presented statistics provide a comprehensive reference source for the future.

Official Formula 1 Season Review 2011
Hardback, 300 x 230mm, 280 pages, 400 colour illustrations
Now in its eighth year of publication, this is a must-have Christmas purchase for every fan of Formula 1. Here is the full, in-depth story of the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship, told by the drivers and team personnel involved.

Le Mans 2011 Yearbook
Le Mans 24 Hours 2011 the official yearbook of the ACO The official Le Mans yearbook in English. 254 pages in XXL and full colour. The best photos from scrutineering to the finish line. Team presentation with all cars, drivers and mechanics in full colour, practice with many spectacular photos from the track and the pits, the grid listed in every detail with the fastest lap time for each car and driver.

NEW MOTORSPORT TITLES

   

The British are Coming : A look at British Record Breaking and the people that made it happen
Consider how many times over the last 100 years in towns or villages in remote locations around the world people have said those words knowing that near to where they live, a British team would soon be arriving, bringing with them a unique vehicle and an entourage of the world’s media and people that just want to see another world record broken, putting that part of the world on the map and into the history books.

In the Name of Glory : 1976 the greatest ever sporting duel By Tom Rubython
Hardback, 352 pages, col. illus, 234 x 153 mm
As the sun set on the 1975 season, James Hunt was down and out of Formula One. He had no drive for 1976 and was all washed up. In contrast, Niki Lauda, the new world champion of 1975, was in an entirely different position, with a full year’s contract ahead of him and Enzo Ferrari begging him to sign a new, more lucrative one for years into the future. Lauda was hot favourite to win the world championship again in 1976.

Le Mans 2011 Yearbook
Le Mans 24 Hours 2011 the official yearbook of the ACO The official Le Mans yearbook in English. 254 pages in XXL and full colour. The best photos from scrutineering to the finish line. Team presentation with all cars, drivers and mechanics in full colour, practice with many spectacular photos from the track and the pits, the grid listed in every detail with the fastest lap time for each car and driver.

MotoGP Season Review 2011
Hardback, 300 x 230mm, 216 pages, 250 colour illustrations
Now firmly established in its eighth year of publication, this is a must-have Christmas purchase for every fan of motorcycle racing, especially in a season with the mouth-watering prospect of Valentino Rossi, now with Ducati, looking to retrieve the World Championship crown from his former Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

MV Agusta

The Book of the classic MV Agusta Fours

By Ian Falloon
Hardback, 25x25cm, 240 pages, 450 pictures

Always produced in small numbers, the MV Agusta Fours are now considered among the classic motorcycles of the 1960s and 1970s. These were the first motorcycles that made Grand Prix technology available to the public, albeit at an almost prohibitive cost.
MV Agusta’s classic four-cylinder dominated Grand Prix racing for a decade from 1956. When it was replaced by the new triple in 1966, Count Agusta decided to make the Four available in limited numbers as a production bike.

Speedway

Speedway The Classic Era

Britain went crazy for speed in the first half of the twentieth century. On land, at sea and in the air, the exploits of the daring gripped the nation. Speedway arrived from Australia in 1928, at just the right moment to exploit an insatiable demand for motorsport thrills. Early amateur events soon gave way to a fully-professional sport, with a strong emphasis on entertainment. Crowds flocked to major stadia, including the Crystal Palace, Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, Manchester’s Belle Vue and Wembley’s Empire Stadium. Written off by sceptics on many occasions, speedway has weathered many ups and downs during its eighty-plus years. Speedway The Classic Era covers the sport’s first four decades, starting with its early mushroom growth and the subsequent development of league racing, a World Championship, and test matches pitting England against Australia. It chronicles the sport’s almost miraculous survival during World War Two, and its astonishing impact in the immediate post-war era, when eleven million people watched racing at its UK peak in 1949. By Philip Dalling Hardback, 160 pages, black and white illustrations, 297 x 210 mm

Sidecar Champions

Sidecar Champions since 1923

Sidecar Champions is the ninth in a series which sets out to cover the world’s leading motorcycle competitors. It is also the first to cover more than a single personality in one book. It has also been the most difficult project that author Mick Walker has undertaken during what is now over a quarter of a century of writing. There are no less than 26 chapters, plus his usual trademark boxed-sections covering several other notable sidecar competitors. It was also a subject which he had wanted to cover for many, many years, because he had always thought that the sidecar boys (and a few girls!) seemed to get a raw deal, both with the organisers and the press, when in actual fact the sidecar event was often the highlight of a days racing and were generally loved by spectators. Learn all about the history of sidecars racing and its competitors from the beginning in Mick Walkers latest book By Mick Walker Hardback, 224 pages, 260 x 195 mm

TT 2011 Review Blu Ray

TT 2011 Review Blu Ray (includes standard PAL DVD)

The Official Review of the 2011 Isle of Man, packed with jaw-dropping action from around the legendary 37.73-mile road course, plus all the usual interviews, behind-the-scenes access and bonus features. Once again, the Blu-ray disc version of the Official Review deliver’s unrivalled High Definition viewing quality and exceptional sound, plus the DVD version of the review in the box at no extra cost. The Official Review also includes interviews with the stars, plenty of bonus material and a look at some of the off-track excitement. There’ll also be plenty of coverage of the star-studded events organised to mark the 100th anniversary of racing on the Mountain course and Yamaha’s 50th anniversary. Contains Blu Ray + DVD. PAL DVD, 240 minutes

Isle of Man TT

Isle of Man TT 2011 Official Review DVD

Relive the action, drama and atmosphere of the amazing 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy. The Official Review features comprehensive coverage of every race, practice and the unique festival atmosphere which surrounds the world’s great road race. This is racing at its most extreme – speeds of more than 190mph just inches from hedges, houses and walls. New trackside camera angles, breathtaking aerial footage and white-knuckle on-board sequences put you at the heart of the action for unrivalled race coverage, exclusive behind-the-scenes access and special features. This year revealing thermal imaging technology appears alongside the stunning ultra slow-motion camera footage. Once again, expert commentary and analysis comes courtesy of former racers Steve Parrish and James Whitham, and, new for 2011, TT-winner Steve Plater joins the team. PAL DVD, 4 hours of amazing action!

Joey Dunlop

Joey Dunlop – A Tribute

Back in stock! Unlike some publications which will, doubtless, emerge from the woodwork, this tribute to the life and career of the late, great Joey Dunlop has not been hurried to the presses following Joey’s tragic and untimely death. Rather, it is the result of 10 years painstaking work by former TT winner Ray Knight and is officially sanctioned by the TTRA. By Ray Knight

Island Racer 2011

Island Racer 2011

Island Racer 2011 is crammed with all the latest news from the biggest names racing at the awesome Isle of Man event. INCLUDES: Free DVD On Bike TT Experience 6 – Get set for the ultimate adrenalin-fuelled, white-knuckle ride as you experience the awesome Isle of Man TT from the racers’ point of view! Breathtaking speeds, incredible camera angles and stunning race action will have you on the edge of your seat. Glossy A4 perfect bound Magazine, 148 pages

AJS & Matchless

The Scrapbook Series Bookazine – AJS & Matchless

At its peak Associated Motor Cycle (AMC), the proprietor of AJS and Matchless (among others) was making 96 motorcycles a day, with 1500 people employed. By any standards, that’s a big player in the industry. Though AMC did of course include other names – James, Francis-Barnett and for a time the likes of Norton and Sunbeam – it is AJS and Matchless which first come to mind when ‘AMC’ is mentioned to most enthusiasts. James Robinson/ The Classic Motorcycle Glossy A4 perfect bound Bookazine, 132 pages. Full Colour & B/W images

Motocross and Off-road

Four-stroke Motocross and Off-road Performance Handbook

Ron Hamp Paperback, 160 pages, 300 colour illustrations, 270 x 210 mm

This thorough how-to manual helps the off-road motorcycle enthusiast get the most out of their machine. This one-stop reference covers everything from basic maintenance to performance modifications.

Traction Engines

Traction Engines Preservation and Power

Paul Stratford Hardback, 144 pages, colour illustrations throughout, 238 x 258 mm

It was Kent farmer Thomas Aveling who in 1859 modified a portable engine to create a self-moving agricultural engine that became the forerunner of the steam traction engine that we know today. The partnership of Thomas Aveling and Richard Thomas Porter in 1862 became known as Aveling & Porter, a company which went on to produce not only traction and ploughing engines but of course steam rollers – altogether more than all other UK manufacturers combined.

Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 and KZ900

Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 and KZ900
The Restorer’s Guide to All Aircooled 900cc Models, 1972-1976

David Marsden Hardback, 112 pages, 200 colour photos, 295 x 225 mm

Original Kawasaki Z I, Z900 & KZ900, written by David Marsden of Z-Power, presents a portrait of originality in words and pictures. These motorcycles are real collector’s items today when they are correct in every detail, so this book provides comprehensive information on original specifications and equipment. It contains in-depth explanations of the design and construction of the engine, transmission, frame, running gear, electrics, and instruments, then goes on to explain how these were altered and developed during the life of the series. The author has tried to answer every question ever asked of him about the Z1. To complement this detail, Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 & KZ900 contains over 200 specially commissioned colour photographs. Superb examples of all models have been painstakingly photographed to illustrate every aspect of the engineering and design, and all the main points of change through the series. The Z1, the ‘King of the Road’, brought to the general public performance and prestige never before seen from a production motorcycle. Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 & KZ900 celebrates this landmark motorcycle by bringing a renowned expert’s vast knowledge to Z1 enthusiasts.

Cafe Racers

Cafe Racers of the 1970s

Mick Walker Paperback, 96 pages, 115 black & white photographs, 260×190 mm

The 1970s was the era of the cafe racer in its second phase, that of the specialist manufacturers. Certain mainstream marques such as Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Laverda and Yamaha also catered for this emerging market by producing production factory cafe racers such as the 900SS [Ducati], Le Mans [Guzzi], Mongich [Laverda] and RD Series [Yamaha] . Among the names which flourished in this environment, and which are the subjects of this book, were Dunstall, Gus Kuhn, Seeley, Rickman, Bimota, Magni, Dresda, Munch and Van Veen … and others whose names are perhaps less well remembered, but who were just as dedicated to the ideal of personal creativity.

Giacomo Agostini

Giacomo Agostini : Champion of Champions

Mick Walker

This paperback reprint – back due to popular demand. Mick Walker’s expert account recalls the extraordinary era, from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, when Agostini was without doubt, the man to beat at the top level of motorcycle sport. It is fully illustrated and includes a race-by-race record of all Agostini’s achievements. Mick Walker’s expert account recalls the extraordinary era, from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, when Agostini was without doubt, the man to beat at the top level of motorcycle sport. Agostini’s great races and his fierce rivalry with riders like Mike Hailwood, Jarno Saarinen and Phil Read are vividly recreated, and his world-beating motorcycles are analyzed in detail, including the legendary MV Agustas. In this fully illustrated and in-depth new study Mick Walker reassesses Agostini’s remarkable record and explores the personal and technical background to his achievement.

Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood : The Fans’ Favourite

Mick Walker Paperback, 192 pages, 234 x 156 mm

Reprinted back due to popular demand. Mick Walker – leading authority on all forms of motorcycle sport – examines the long career of the most popular motorcycle champion of all time in this enthralling biography. Never in the history of motorcycle racing has there been a more popular champion than ‘Mike-the-Bike’ Hailwood. In this new study, which comes almost 30 years after Mike’s untimely death, Mick Walker examines his long career, from his first race, aged 17, at Oulton Park in April 1957, to his final race at Mallory Park in June 1979. In the course of his competitive career Mike rode in more races than any other rider, and he could ride any bike. In his time he straddled everything from a 49cc Itom single-cylinder two-stroke to a 1000cc Dunstall-Suzuki GS1000 four-cylinder superbike.

Midland Red Style

Midland Red Style

Roger Torode, Malcolm Keeley Hardback, 128 pages

Midland Red Style is the first book in a new series looking at design in all its aspects in some of Britain’s best loved bus companies. The reader is able to follow the visual developments in vehicle, infrastructure and printed publicity design up to the point the company was taken over by the National Bus Company. Over 300 colour and black and white illustrations are included

Dave Molyneux

Dave Molyneux The Racer’s Edge
Memories of an Isle of Man TT Legend
Dave Molyneux
Hardback, 224 pages, 50 Colour and B&W Illustrations, 234 x 156 mm

Dave Molyneux is one of the most prolific and determined sidecar racers in British history. His racing career has spanned an incredible thirty-one years. He has dominated the sidecar class at the Isle of Man TT, the most demanding road races in the world, with an exceptional tally of 14 wins, making him the most successful sidecar competitor in the history of the event. He has competed in British and European championships, Grands Prix and other races. This book tells, in his own words, his remarkable story. It describes his victories and defeats, the accidents and the other setbacks he has overcome, and reveals what makes him such an accomplished engineer as well as a racer.

Please check out our full listings of Isle of Man TT Books and DVDs

Jorge Lorenzo

 

Jorge Lorenzo : Portrait of a Champion
Matt Roberts
Hardback, 270 x 210mm, 240 pages, 150 colour illustrations

This is a captivating visual study of the 2010 MotoGP World Champion. Jorge Lorenzo – in collaboration with Matt Roberts – gathers together a wealth of photographs showing every aspect of his life in motorcycle racing and accompanies them with a sharp commentary. A special feature is the intimate photography of him both off-duty and on-track throughout his title-winning 2010 season, which saw him dominate by winning nine of the 18 MotoGP races and finishing on the podium 16 times. This book is a wonderful insight into the life of a flamboyant new star of sport.