Geoff Duke O.B.E. is the original superstar of motorcycle racing, a sportsman whose success, skill and personality ensured he became a household name.
In Pursuit of Perfection, new on DVD and Download from Duke, is the most comprehensive and revealing film ever made about this groundbreaking motorsport icon and British sporting hero. Fittingly, the DVD was launched during the 2012 TT, the event where Geoff Duke enjoyed so much success and in the place where he made his home, the Isle of Man.
The creation of the DVD has been a labour of love for Duke, the company started more than 30 years ago by Geoff’s son Peter. The painstaking project has been overseen and produced by Geoff’s grandson Benjamin Duke, making it truly a family affair.
The result is a lovingly-crafted, comprehensive look at the life and career of a sporting icon, and a DVD packed with refreshing honesty, revealing insights and plenty of action.
Proud Lancastrian Geoff scored 33 Grand Prix wins in a career which spanned little more than a decade and a stunning six World Championships in just five years. He demonstrated his skills offroad and on-track, on two wheels and on four, he smashed records, set new standards and beat his European rivals in their own back yards.
During extensive interviews with Mick Woollett to commemorate his 80th birthday, Geoff recalls everything from his very first motorcycle to his sudden retirement, offering an unparalleled insight into his Isle of Man TT wins, glories in 350cc and 500cc World Championship racing and what was really happening in the politically-motivated world of 1950s motorsport.
Throughout are previously unseen photographs and rare archive footage showing Geoff’s greatest races on the TT Mountain course, Assen, Monza, Spa, Oliver’s Mount and other classic circuits. He details the Norton years, the switch to Gilera, his time with Aston Martin and his shock decision to quit racing in September 1959, despite taking three wins in his final professional outing.
Geoff recalls friends and rivals, figures like Hugh Viney, Les Graham and Artie Bell, and opens his heart about the controversial ban and injury which prevented him challenging for the World Championships in 1956 and 1957.
We are reminded of the principled gentleman who would stand up for colleagues and the superstar who would become Sports Personality of the Year and be awarded the Order of the British Empire. Above all, we are reminded, in action footage, rare photographs and the pin-sharp recollection of the man himself, of the racer. Geoff Duke – a racer always In Pursuit of Perfection.
Alongside the main film, the DVD is brimming with wonderful extra features, including Geoff Duke’s guide to the TT circuit and more from the Mick Woollett interview, such as Geoff’s recollection of racing rivals, time in France, Archie Bell’s career-ending crash, the Gileras, his own team and some of the mechanical issues he encountered, and overcame.
Plus, you can see Peter Duke pay tribute to his father, riding a Norton during the Isle of Man TT Mountain course Centenary Parade, with narration by Murray Walker, and view Geoff’s staggering collection of trophies. Every generation has its sporting hero, Geoff Duke was a British sporting hero for all times, and this is his story.
Geoff Duke – In Pursuit of Perfection is Out Now on DVD, priced at £16.99 or available to download from www.DukeVideo.com/Downloads priced at £9.99 and will be available from leading retail outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640 000, fax 01624 640 001 or email mail@dukevideo.com.
