Hizzy: The Autobiography of Steve Hislop

by Steve Hislop, Stuart Barker

Steve Hislop was one of the most famous motorcycle racers in the world. He had always been a controversial and outspoken character having had many famous clashes and splits with teams and riders over the years, not always to his advantage. Season 2003 was no different. Steve’s life was incredible, funny and ultimately tragic. Hislop made his debut in 1979 on a bike paid for by his father, but when the latter died of a heart-attack, he embarked on a self-destructive quest that resulted in more crashed bikes and cars than he can remember. Three years later his brother Garry was killed racing at Silloth. It looked as if he would never race again but while on holiday at the Isle of Man TT races in 1983, he was mesmerised by the sight of Joey Dunlop and he knew he had to try it. He took to the roads immediately, amassing an amazing career record of 11 wins and was the first rider in history to lap the course at an average speed of over 120mph. Hizzy's TT victories over big name rivals like Joey Dunlop and Carl Fogarty made him a living legend beyond the confines of just the UK. He turned his back on the Isle of Man in 1994, claiming it was too fast and dangerous for modern superbikes. However, he had already proved he was just as fast on purpose-built short circuits having won the British 250cc championship in 1990 and then went on to win the British Superbike (BSB) title in 1995 and 2002. Defending a title is always difficult and made even harder when your current team doesn't give you a new contract. However, season 2003 started positively for Steve, inasmuch as he found a new team, but he was sacked half way through the season after a string of poor results on an uncompetitive bike. These events, however, paled into insignificance when Steve was killed in July 2003 when the helicopter he was flying crashed in a remote Scottish border region. His book is a fitting tribute to a motor racing legend.

Genres: Biography

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2003

Reviews

[phil mcveigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember skipping College lectures, one Wednesday afternoon, when I heard that the Virgin Yamaha team were (randomly) spending the afternoon at Virgin Recordstore in Grimsby.

I got there and there was Steve Hislop and his team mate (I think his name was Paul Brown)....still have both their autographs. The store was pretty empty and they must have been waiting for me to leave but all I wanted to do was talk to Hizzy and, fair play to him, he spent the best part of 20mins with me and I will never forget it.

I was on holiday when my Sister sent me a text to say that Hizzy had been killed in a helicopter crash. The man I once saw break the lap record at Cadwell Park (5 times in one race) had gone but the memories I have of him will always be there (I hope!!)