World Champions Yamaha 1977-1980 by Duke Video |
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 This is one of the latest DVD’s from Duke and is a compilation of original films made over four years telling the story of how Yamaha claimed World Championship glory for those four consecutive years. It is unashamedly a wallow in nostalgia and had me glued to the chair for over two hours.The whole program has action-packed archive race footage, behind-the-scenes access and contributions from the racing stars delivering the story behind the headline-grabbing triumphs that I can remember making the pages of the motorcycle press at the time. It is fascinating to see circuits like Assen, Le Mans, Silverstone, and Spa as they were then with some of the great riders like Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Giacomo Agostini, Johnny Cecotto and Randy Mamola really pushing hard for victory. The first film follows American Steve Baker in his first season of World Championship racing, with footage from 500cc and 750cc races of 1977, plus interviews with Baker himself. He of course claimed a World Championship at his first attempt, and was only beaten to the 500cc crown by Barry Sheene. This fascinating film is followed by three films that document one of the most amazing eras of motorcycle Grand Prix racing. ‘King’ Kenny Roberts appeared on the 500cc GP scene in 1978 and proved unstoppable, taking the title not only in his first season, but in 1979 and 1980 as well. As Duke quite rightly put it, “The down-to-the-wire title chases of 1978 and 1980 are exceptional edge-of-the-seat viewing, and the 1979 British Grand Prix is rightly regarded as one of the greatest motorcycle showdowns ever.” If like me you were there and watched these races live, this is a must have DVD that is well worth the £16.99 asking price to discover the stories behind the headlines, and how history was made. Highly recommended! Ref: DVD1373 Available from all leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640 000, or email mail@dukevideo.com or www.dukevideo.com Review by Ian Kerr
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