Documentary to show life of racer Steenson

Documentary to show life of racer Steenson

22 January 2020

A NEW documentary on the life of road racer Brian Steenson will be screened at his former school in Downpatrick in early March.

Down High School — where Steenson was a former head boy — will be showing the premiere of the documentary entitled ‘Brian Steenson – The Last Lap’ on Wednesday, March 4, at 7.30pm.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Steenson’s tragic death at the Nobles Hospital on the Isle of Man in 1970 after a crash while competing in the world famous TT races.

Steenson had a short but very successful career between 1968 and 1970 with rostrum places at the TT and top podium places in local road races across Ireland. All profits from the new DVD film will go to the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland charity.

The Steenson documentary has been put together by Colin James and Rowland White who recently made the tribute film to Tom Herron — who has close links with Newcastle  —  entitled “Tom and Andrea — the racing years”.

Colin and Rowland also collaborated in another film in tribute to Frank Kennedy, one of the famous Armoy Armada which included road racers Robert and Joey Dunlop and Mervyn Robinson.

The very popular Steenson spent a third of his life at Down High, with the new documentary reflecting on his life from his primary school days in Killyleagh through to his time at Down High and Queen’s University Belfast. 

Highlights from his motorcycle racing career are woven through his personal life, including his long association with his childhood sweetheart, Irene, whom he first met at Down High when he was 15 years old. 

The programme is also beautifully illustrated with many unseen pictures from his races and life outside the track.

It is a human drama story told by those who interacted with the rider over his 23 years including a former teacher, his girlfriend, fellow pupils, university colleagues, fellow racers and fans from his race days. 

Presented and narrated by Stephen Watson, the film draws on the first-hand memories of those who knew him best. 

Documentary director Colin and producer Rowland have dedicated much time and interest to the film which highlights the extraordinary talent Brian Steenson was.

Colin is associated with Waldovision which has produced a number of motorcycle racing documentaries including ‘How the North West Was Won’ and ‘Joey Dunlop Remembered’ for the BBC. 

In addition, Colin also produced a film about legendary Irish motorcycle racer Stanley Woods, who has close links with Tyrella for RTE, while Roland is a sports photographer with a long history of motorcycle coverage including working for The Motor Cycle, Motor Cycling and other magazine publications.

“We think it is a fitting tribute to Brian’s memory to premiere this film in Down High School,” said the documentary makers.

“The school has been very helpful with the making of the programme, including providing rare memorabilia and helping to stage some dramatic re-enactments of moments in Brian’s life at Down High.”

Broadcaster Stephen Watson, who is compering the premiere, said he is delighted to be involved in the tribute film to a sportsman who made such an impact on the history of motorcycle racing in his short racing career. 

He said even 50 years later, Brian’s legacy to the sport is deservedly well remembered. 

“I shall be the compere on the premiere night to remember Brian and the charity which will benefit from the sales of this DVD will be the Air Ambulance NI,” he said.

Stephen added: “On the evening of the launch, we will also hear from a Down High pupil whose life was saved by Air Ambulance NI.”

The film is about an hour in length and the DVD will be on sale on the day of the premiere’s screening.

Tickets for the March 4 event cost £12 and can be purchased on-line through https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brian-steenson-documentary-film-the-last-lap-tickets-86697014103 

Copies of the documentary will also be available on the night at Down High School.