Book description
Steve Hislop was one of the most famous motorcycle racers in the world.
He had always been a controversial and outspoken character having had
many famous clashes and splits with teams and riders over the years, not
always to his advantage. Season 2003 was no different. Steve's life was
incredible, funny and ultimately tragic.
Hislop made his debut in 1979 on a bike paid for by his father, but
when the latter died of a heart-attack, he embarked on a
self-destructive quest that resulted in more crashed bikes and cars than
he can remember. Three years later his brother Garry was killed racing
at Silloth.
It looked as if he would never race again but while on holiday at the
Isle of Man TT races in 1983, he was mesmerised by the sight of Joey
Dunlop and he knew he had to try it.
He took to the roads immediately, amassing an amazing career record of
11 wins and was the first rider in history to lap the course at an
average speed of over 120mph. Hizzy's TT victories over big name rivals
like Joey Dunlop and Carl Fogarty made him a living legend beyond the
confines of just the UK. He turned his back on the Isle of Man in 1994,
claiming it was too fast and dangerous for modern superbikes.
However, he had already proved he was just as fast on purpose-built
short circuits having won the British 250cc championship in 1990 and
then went on to win the British Superbike (BSB) title in 1995 and 2002.
Defending a title is always difficult and made even harder when your
current team doesn't give you a new contract. However, season 2003
started positively for Steve, inasmuch as he found a new team, but he
was sacked half way through the season after a string of poor results on
an uncompetitive bike. These events, however, paled into insignificance
when Steve was killed in July 2003 when the helicopter he was flying
crashed in a remote Scottish border region. His book is a fitting
tribute to a motor racing legend. • 'As a racer, he could be close to
genius. As a man, he will be much missed.' Mac McDiarmid (Independent)
• 'Hizzy became my friend and he was one of the most genuine, open and
honest people I've ever met'. Stuart Barker Steve Hislop was one of
Britain's most successful bike riders, winning the British 250cc
championship, the British Superbike title twice and the Isle of Man TT a
record 11 times.
Stuart Barker is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for MCN.
He is also the co-author of Niall Mackenzie's autobiography.
