A small group of racers dominated the motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship in the ultra-competitive era of the late 1980s and early 1990s; they are the Bike Heroes.

In an exclusive interview and exceptional archive race footage, this programme recalls highlights from the career of one of the best-known stars of that period, Randy Mamola. Famed for his flamboyant style on and off the track, the American was the most successful GP racer of the era not to win the World Championship, finishing runner-up four times to greats like Eddie Lawson and Wayne Gardner.

At the end of the 1990 season, with his future in doubt, Mamola talks candidly about his early career, not being taken seriously as a rider, his dedication to working for children’s charities and his racing.

We are treated to action-packed footage from his GP highs and lows, including his dramatic rides in the rain at Assen, Spa and Suzuka, famous ‘near-misses’ as he high sides in Italy and Brazil and the fine rides which saw him claim 13 wins and 57 podium finishes from 151 starts.

Mamola reveals how he felt about his playboy reputation, the emotional turmoil of being dumped by Lucky Strike Yamaha after missing out on the title by just 20 points and the roller coaster of riding for the struggling Cagiva outfit.

His determined racing style and flamboyant personality made him a favourite among fans and fellow racers, and as the action-packed footage reminds us, on and off the track he was a true Bike Hero.

Publisher: Duke Marketing

Status: Current