THE internet has helped put back on track a tribute book to a motorcycle racing legend.

A Day to Remember in the Life of Mike Hailwood was written by Peter Burch of Blackburn, a former British Motorcycle Sprint Champion and keen photographer. It goes behind the scenes at the 1978 Isle of Man TT Formula 1 event and was due to be published in 1981.

But when Hailwood was killed in a road accident, the project was shelved as a mark of respect.

Last year Peter decided to publish the book himself, but first wanted to ensure there was still a market for it. He enlisted the help of Tim Smith, owner of Rossendale Kawasaki in Crawshawbooth.

He said: "I knew there was a demand for the book, but needed to prove it using limited resources. Tim had already created his own web pages and I thought he could help me find a way to contact Hailwood fans and build support for the book." The website attracted interest from around the world and Peter went ahead with the publication of the book. He said it was now selling well.

A copy was recently auctioned at the prestigious TT Riders' Association annual luncheon in Birmingham, raising £250 for the organisation's Benevolent Fund.

Peter said: "I was determined to pay tribute to one of the most successful motorcycle racers of our time and the web has enabled me to do so."

The book, priced £12.95, is available from Rossendale Kawasaki, Keith Dixon's of Accrington, Vin Cunningham's in Darwen, Blackburn Tourist Information Office, Bookland of Blackburn or direct from Peter on 01254 59364.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.