Geoff Duke OBE - The Final Lap - An Isle of Man TT Tribute
  • 6 years ago
Geoff Duke OBE, who won seven races on the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course in a stellar career that included six World Champion titles, passed away on the 1st of May at the age of 92.

On Sunday 10th May 2015 at 2.30pm, a hearse carrying his coffin departed the TT Grandstand to complete Geoff's final tour of the circuit where he made his name, and gave so many fans such pleasure with his successes.

David Cretney MLC, a former MGP competitor, waved the flag to start the hearse on its journey as hundreds of fans followed in convoy behind and spectators lined the course to pay their final respects to Geoff Duke.

Geoff's sons, Peter and Mike, followed the hearse on motorbikes while other family members joined the lap in their cars in what was a fitting tribute to the great man.

As requested by the sons the convoy “opened it up a bit” on the Brandish straight leading from the Creg-ny-baa towards Douglas.

“Dad didn’t quite make the ton on his last lap, but it was close” commented Peter afterwards.

“It was wonderful to see so many bikes and cars in the convoy and the crowds at so many places around the course.”

Geoff’s TT victories, first for Norton and later Gilera, helped to secure his place as a household name in the 1950s, becoming the first true superstar of motorcycle racing.

He was voted Sportsman of the Year in 1951 and was awarded the OBE in 1953.

Spectators at the MotoGP round at Jerez paid tribute to the former champion during a minutes silence, and TV coverage of the event showed a special film showing some of Geoff’s career highlights. We're on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2evtvsg
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