2008 Manx Grand Prix update 1

Ballacraine on the 350 Steve Caffyn Honda

Hi everyone, we are over in Isle of Man for the Manx Grand Prix, Thanks to the regulations, I am allowed to ride in the Manx, but only in classic races.

If anyone had ever told me, I would race classic bikes, I think I would have told them to have a bit of sense!.

However last year I rode classic machinery for the first time, and have to admit, I enjoyed the experience, so plans were put together for this years event, and Thanks to Two sponsors, I am able to complete in this years event on two competitive machines.

In the 350 class, I am riding a 350 honda for Steve Caffyn (CSC Racing), and a 500 Manx Norton for Ken Platt.

Wouldnt i love this bike ?

During practice, I just managed to get the 5 laps required to qualify!, my opening lap, was on the 500 Norton, and it was also my first time on a bike since Walderstown, I took it easy, as I had to get used to the characteristics of the bike, but lapped at over 93mph, sine then, I have managed to blow two engines!, we are now on our third engine, and we have still had a few problems whilst testing at Jurby, however, I am pretty confident that all will come well on the day, I would like to get a lap over 100mph!.

Regards the 350, got 4 laps on it, and lapped at over 95mph, so pretty well pleased there, considering there was a lot of traffic.

I have Also been helping out James Redpath, showing him race lines etc, so obviously hoping James has a good run in to morrows race.

I was sorry to hear that Andrew Neil had a spill on the opening night of practice, I reckon a win was on the cards for him, but certainly his team mate, James McCullagh has put the cat amongst the pigeons with his lap at over 118mph on fri night.

Ken Platt (spon) on the bike, along with Chris (mech), and myself, warming up the Manxie

Ryan McCay has also being putting in good times, so lets hope these lads can do us proud during race week.

I had a good look at the MV Agusta that Gary Johnston is riding, it is some piece of kit, it should be a good race between Gary and Ryan.

Like many others, I am disappointed to hear that the Boyne road races have been called off, what a pity, lets hope they can get sorted for 2009.

Before I close, I just want to take this opportunity to Thank my mechanics and sponsors for the week, or should I say, forthnight!,, without them, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to complete!, Ken Platt (spons) and Chris on the 500, and Steve Caffyn (spons) and Stewart McCann on the 350, Thanks lads.

JB#16