Winter Months - Presentations - Mike Hailwood Foundation

I usually find that the winter time, when there’s no racing to be done, can be just as busy as when I’m racing during the spring & summer months. This winter’s been no exception.

Firstly I’d volunteered myself to run the 2005 Presentation evening for the British Supermono Association, this time at the Chimney House Hotel in Cheshire on 11th Feb as opposed to the usual venue near Dunstable.

I was very pleased to get 63 attendees with such a drastic change to the format but every one seemed to enjoy the evening.

We were very privileged to have Alan Cathcart as our special guest who gave a wonderful insight into the evolution of the Supermono Class and presented the Trophies to the Top riders in the Championships.

Fantastic local band Steller played after the formalities and we held a raffle during the interval with some fantastic prizes on offer, including a set of Tyres from SMD Tyres of Leigh and a full suspension set up from KS Performance of Nottingham. See www.supermononewsletter.co.uk for more info.

Something not going to plan however is the Mike Hailwood Foundation trips to the Isle of Man where I tutor Newcomers to the Manx Grand Prix around the TT circuit.

Due to the Implementation of a TT Course Licence by the ACU I’m finding it almost impossible to find newcomers this year (as are the MGP organisers) and so far have had to cancel two trips. It’s very disappointing, as without newcomers coming through the event will undoubtedly suffer in the future.

On the subject of the Isle of Man I recently attended the TT Marshals Association training sessions held at the Saint Johns Headquarters in Birkenhead on 4th & 5th March.

I helped to present the candidates with their Certificates at the end of both days, which was a great privilege.

I was made very welcome by both the organisers and the volunteers who’d given up their free time to attend the courses.

Their dedication to the sport keeps us racing, without them the events would not run and ultimately the training they receive ensures they are equipped with the skills to deal with situations safely, professionally and quickly.

Prior to this I was very naive to the work that goes on behind the scenes involving doctors, medics helicopter & ambulance staff and the volunteer Marshals etc.

Thank you all for your support.