Kirjahaku

Road racers are no ordinary mortals. Riding at extraordinary speeds and desperate to win, they are locked in a life-and-death battle every time they race. This book is a tribute to these icons and their incredible speed, and to the energy and excitement of one of the world’s most thrilling sports. From Irish races to the Isle of Man TT, from the Czech Republic to Spain, Stephen Davison – described by MCN as ‘the world’s leading road racing journalist’ – follows the riders as they take on some of the most challenging races in national and international road racing. But Road Racers also looks to something deeper – to the fear that every rider has to face down; to the steely strength that it takes to win; and to the extremes of exhilaration and despair that define the sport. With the kind of access to the riders that most of us only dream of – including such greats as Guy Martin, John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop – Davison’s photographs and writing give an unparalleled insight into what it means to be a road racer. Intimate portraits, unguarded moments, family, fans and friendships, life and death – this is the ultimate real road racing book. If you enjoyed this book, you might also enjoy Stephen Davison’s Beautiful Danger: 101 Great Road Racing Photographs, Between the Hedges: A Celebration of Road Racing from the 1960s to the Present, Flying Finn: A Tribute to Irish motorbike legend Martin Finnegan and John McGuinness: Isle of Man TT Legend.

Experience the ragged edge of road racing ... In over 120 stunning full-colour photographs, Stephen Davison gives a thrilling insight into the road racing scene and the lives of the riders. Join him for some incredible action from star riders such as John McGuinness, Robert Dunlop and Ryan Farquhar. And find out what goes on away from the adrenaline-charged race scene - the long hours at the day job that pays the for the racing; the longer nights in small, draughty sheds building the bikes; the banter of the paddock; the struggle to overcome the pain of crash injuries; the abject misery of defeat and the sheer joy of the podium. Available for the first time in paperback, this is a vivid and uncompromising portrait of road racing by the sport's number one photographer.

In the many years since Joey Dunlop's untimely death, his stature has only grown. One of the racing world's most successful riders, and certainly its leading role-model, he is sorely missed by bike enthusiasts everywhere. Joey Dunlop’s racing career began in 1969, and his yellow helmet and number 3 bike quickly became synonymous with high-octane wins. He was one of the most exciting riders the sport has ever seen, drawing huge crowds to the Isle of Man TT races and to every other course he raced. Joey received an MBE for his motorcycling prowess; his racing record remains unsurpassed: twenty-six wins in twenty-five years at the TT races, and five times World Champion. On 2 July 2000 the forty-eight-year-old rider crashed during a race in the republic of Estonia. The death of Joey Dunlop triggered an unparalleled emotional response as the sporting world and his fans openly mourned his passing. He is still revered as a motorcycling legend. This book looks at Joey Dunlop's legacy and captures the rider, the family man, the winner, the humanitarian – the person behind the legend that is the 'King of the Roads'. With previously unseen photographs and updated introduction and legacy chapters, this book is a real celebration of Joey Dunlop's life and career from the public glories to the private moments.