I was also lucky enough to see Hailwood etc. We once gave Jack Findley a lift back to Douglas in our car as he had seized his Bultacco at Balcraine in the 250 race. Wonder how many bike have seized there over the years? I also think the main difference for me is that in the earlier days, race bikes looked different to road bikes. It was something special when you got close to them. Where we used to stop was at the Winston Hotel near the church just off Strand street. Behind the hotel was a row a garages and Florian Camatheus used to rent one, so you could go round and see him working on his bike. For a 7 year old fan it was great to be so close to a world champ. We once pulled up at the grandstand, followed a van in, it stopped and who should start unloading, but Ago, so close again. The place must be full of stories and memories like mine