View David Jefferies
“The David Jefferies Story”
DVD
Review by Gregg Leary
Category:Moto Racing
I’ve just added another motorsports hero to my list. “The David Jefferies Story” is a superb 2-hour- plus DVD and a wonderful tribute to an amazingly courageous rider.
The DVD jacket proclaims:
“The David Jefferies Story is a reminder of the much loved and much missed Yorkshireman. It covers the remarkable rides and records of his career, features interviews with family and friends and captures some of DJ’s fun-loving character. DVD extras include extended interviews with DJ’s Dad, Tony Jefferies, Jack Valentine and John McGuinness.”
“DJ had become synonymous with the Isle of Man TT, holding the lap records and overall race records for the Formula 1, Senior and Production classes. He became the first rider to lap the TT course at 125 mph, 126 mph, and 127 mph, the first to complete a sub 18-minute lap and the only rider in TT history to have treble wins in 3 consecutive years. He also left his mark on the British Superstock Championship, winning it in 2000 and 2002, the Scarborough Gold Cup, winning it a record 5 times, and enjoyed victories in the Ulster Grand Prix, World Superstock and many other international racing events throughout his illustrious career.”
The DVD is a wonderful mix of on-track footage and poignant interviews. The Isle of Man aerial and trackside views are breathtaking. The on-bike footage is remarkable. David was called “The Man Mountain” because he was a very big guy with very great talent….especially at the Isle of Man where he carved his legend… one turn at a time.
David said of the Isle of Man, “You’ve got to give the place the respect it deserves. The conditions were absolutely horrendous…a lot of standing water about. I was getting wheelspin at 140 miles per hour…pretty scary.” PRETTY SCARY? Are you kidding me? This guy was superhuman.
“The main objective is to win the race at the slowest possible speed. I can do every corner in my head. I made a fool of myself when I went to a pub with friends, had a few beers and talked my way through a lap (of the Isle of Man.) The disappointing thing is it took me 35 minutes! I hope I can do it a little quicker than that.” (on a bike) DJ
He did. He clocked a lap of the 37 ¾ mile course in under 18 minutes. He was the first to do laps at 125, 126, and 127 mph.
“I don’t know what the limit is. The limit is how comfortable you feel on that day. I do not ride beyond my limit at the Isle of Man. I don’t take unnecessary risks.” DJ
On his record lap: “It was one of the best laps I’ve ever done. It just seemed to flow together. I HAD to concentrate. I thought one corner ahead all the way around.” DJ
David was 6’ 2” tall and 200 pounds. “Everybody says I’m too big. I’ve proved them wrong so many times.”
David was a third generation motorcycle racer. His father, Tony broke his back racing at Mallory Park. David was one at the time. David was well aware of the dangers of motorcycle racing. “My father is in a wheelchair from racing but that was a fluke accident.” David made his reputation at the Isle of Man and unfortunately paid the ultimate price there on May 29, 2003.
His dad, Tony was interviewed in the DVD and choked me up when he described watching David race at the TT. “Suddenly, off he went. I watched him go…then I wheeled my way to the back...out of the way… and I cried my bloody eyes out. He had no idea what a big hero he was.”
Close friend, John McGuinness said, “One of my closest friends in racing has paid the ultimate price. In true DJ style he was flat out through the Crosby section…”
David’s tombstone is inscribed with a line that was his mission statement…and is a good philosophy for all of us.
“Those Who Risk Nothing
Do Nothing
Achieve Nothing
Become Nothing”
“The David Jefferies Story” rates four out of five lug nuts. Purchase it at SPEEDtv.com, Keyword, “Books.”