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Mike Hailwood, motorsport legend, passed away on this day in 1981. A two-wheel racing prodigy, Hailwood dominated the 250cc with three titles, claimed two more in 350cc, and secured four consecutive 500cc championships from 1962 to 1965 while riding for Honda. He then switched gears to Formula 1, racing for Lotus and later Team Surtees. In 1974, he earned his first Grand Prix podium with McLaren in South Africa. Hailwood's heroism during the previous year's race stands out; after colliding with Clay Regazzoni, he risked his life to rescue Regazzoni from a burning car, earning the George Medal for bravery. His career ended after a severe crash at the 1974 German Grand Prix, though he briefly returned to motorbike racing later. Tragically, Hailwood died at 40 in a traffic accident that also claimed his nine-year-old daughter. His legacy as ‘Mike the Bike’ endures.
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