Speed Freaks

Speed Freaks K-tel International (UK) Ltd., 620 Western Avenue, London, W3 OTU. Running time — 35 mins. £9.99

An American production, this video is a cursory investigation into man’s fascination with speed. In complete contrast to the preceding video, Speed Freaks is achingly awful. As we watch the early attempt of someone trying to fly on a jet-powered bike (!) coming to grief with the rider crawling away from the fire, the narrator quips “There goes another dream up in smoke. The idea wasn’t so hot,” as if time and the jerky movement of the old film lessen the catastrophe. Although the remainder of the video has Points of interest, such as footage at Le Mans, reference to various land speed record attempts and a reference to motor racing in general, this is not one for the motor racing enthusiast. WPK Although of less interest for the MOTOR SPORT reader, Bike Hero (K-tel International, 63 mins. £9.99) is a far better video. Kevin Schwantz is the latest in a long line of Americans to have joined and dominated the motorbike Grand Prix scene, and this video traces his short career to date. The racing sequences are sometimes breathtaking, especially when bike nudges bike in the closely fought duels, and yet the riders remain surprisingly free of rancour and are unspoilt. An altogether refreshing video. WPK