A sneaky go of the new kids Karts

Emma tries out the new Kids Karts at the On your Doorstep Exhibition

Before all the kids took a turn of climbing inside the new kids kart that we brought along to the Karting stand Emma thought she’d have a quick go.

Kids as young as 8 years old (1.25 metres high) can now race round our track at Jurby with our new fleet of Kids Karts.

Duke Karting a Show-stopper!

Duke Karting Stand

Duke Karting went along to the On your Doorstep Exhibition at the Villa on Saturday where we were overwhelmed with interest especially in our competition to win a karting session for 4, which I’ll be drawing later today….when I can get into the box!

The story of the RS Fords….

The Focus RS500 featured in The Story of the Rallye Sport Fords - number 1 of only 500 built!

It’s been some time in coming, but The Story of the Rallye Sport Fords has definitely been worth the wait. I think this is the most authoritative programme made about Ford’s special competition arm which, for 40 years, has built world-beating rally, rallycross and touring cars, and road-going versions based on the successful racers.

All the classics are covered - the RS1600, RS2000, RS200, Sierra Cosworth RS, Escort Cosworth RS and so on – right up to the Focus RS, and the 2010 500 model. There’s loads of great behind-the-scenes footage, plus archive film from the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond of the icons in action.

A personal highlight – apart from seeing Roger Clark and Tony Mason on the 1972 RAC again – was finding out the debt the incredible RS200, built for Group B world rallying, owed to the Sierra and even the Reliant Robin!

Oh, and seeing the RS200 sideways on a rallycross. And the London to Mexico World Cup Rally from 1970. And the Focus RS500 – one of only 500 built, all, in true Ford style, only available in black – being driven on the speed restriction-free roads of the Isle of Man.

Actually, it’s pretty much 2 hours of highlights!

What makes this a truly comprehensive look at the RS badge, though, is the interviews with most of the key players from the early days of AVO through to the modern era. Mike Moreton and Stuart Turner are featured, legendary co-driver Mason gives his insight, former rally driver and current Ford WRC manager Malcolm Wilson offers his view and even the current Ford WRC pairing of Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen praise the RS heritage.

The Story of the Rallye Sport Fords is now due for release at the end of April – but I’m ordering mine now!

Mick Doohan to visit the Isle of Man TT!

Mick Doohan in his Repsol Honda days (courtesy www.iomtt.com)

It’s been announced today that 5-times 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan is going to visit the Isle of Man TT in June – and ride a lap of the Mountain course! Not that you need an excuse, but I’ve decided this is the perfect reason for watching the Bike GP reviews from 1994 to 1998 all over again and remembering a proper legend of racing at his best – not least 1997 (12 wins from 15 races, two second places and only one DNF, and that was in a race he was leading by six seconds!). Classic stuff.

Hundreds of motorcycle films finally available on DVD

Duke Archive DVD

To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, Duke is releasing more than 700 programmes for you to enjoy on DVD for the first time.
These are complete programmes – previously only available on VHS tape – that we are converting to DVD format with simple menu options. Just press PLAY for excellent quality footage taken from the original master programme and enjoy some of the most memorable, exciting and significant moments in motorsport history. Many are individual event highlights, but there are also season reviews, documentaries and driver profiles. There’s everything from the glory days of 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix racing to classic off-road dirt bike action, plus everything in between!
You can enjoy once again the best years of the Superbike World Championship, leading ‘pure’ road races including the North West 200 and Ulster GP, World and British Motocross battles, Trials, American MX and Superbikes, plus and much more. In addition, there are fascinating profiles of legends like Rick Johnson and Jeff Smith, incredible footage from classic bike gatherings, fascinating documentaries and mayhem-filled entertainment with the original, and still the best, crash and smash series Havoc!

Any of our archive gems can be yours for only £19.99 including delivery (please allow 7-14 days from ordering). It’s time to chuck out those dusty old VHS tapes, save space and sit back to enjoy thrilling trips down memory lane. View the full range at DukeVideo.com/Archive Sample video clips can be viewed online.
If you can’t see what you want call us on 01624 640 000

Weekly News

January has been very kind to us so far, and we have some great new releases to share with you this week.

The Moto GP 2010 Review DVD is now out, and features some great action from the 2010 Grand Prix season.  But for the ultimate experience, Duke are proud to announce that we have released the Moto GP 2010 review on Blu Ray, which is the first time a motorcycle Grand Prix can be seen in High Definition.  As ever, the review delivers the essential highlights from every round of the title chase, plus plenty on on-bike footage, interviews and bonus features.  And an additional bonus DVD disc is included so you can still play the review in a standard DVD player.  Don’t forget that you can also get the TT 2010 Review Blu Ray, which also includes a DVD version, free of charge.

You might also want to check out MotoGP – The Route to Glory, which is a fascinating look at how the top stars of MotoGP came to be where they are today.  We certainly enjoyed watching the progression of Valentino Rossi from teenage karter, to MotoGP hero.  Remember, we also have the entire range of Rossi clothing available, including Rossi t-shirts, caps and Rossi sweaters.

We’ve got more fantastic releases in the Duke DVD Archive collection.  This newly released collection comes literally straight from the Duke Archives; titles such as the BTCC Review from 1995, or Grand Prix Inside Track.  You can check out some youtube clips from the archive by viewing the Duke Archive Youtube Channel.

If Santa didn’t bring you a nice calendar this Christmas, don’t worry, it’s not too late.  Duke have a fantastic range of calendars, such as the Road Races 2011 calendar and the Mcklein WRC 2011 calendar still available, and at a fantastic discount.

If you’re feeling like you need to lose weight this January, then we’ve also got a great range of fitness DVDs on offer, such as Fitness for the over 50s, Easy Fit with Diana Moran, and Pilates DVDs.

We also have a very special new product to announce, that promises to offer a lot of winter fun.  Bobskis, are a brand new product that have just been released, and Duke are pleased to obtain some of the first stock in the UK.  Looking like a cross between a sledge and a ski, this product has been designed from the ground up to be fast, light, and strong.  The Duke Team have tested these on Manx slopes during the recent snow, and we can confirm they are seriously quick.  We can’t wait for you to try them.  This is a product that is built to last, and will offer you years of enjoyment in the snow.  With the weather getting increasingly cold, the next bout of snow could be with us soon.  Be prepared for some serious winter action with these new Bobskis.

As ever,  with anything you purchase through Duke, you can join the Duke Club and  earn Duke Club rewards points, which can be redeemed against all Duke DVDs.

Check back next week for more great news from Duke.