NEW Change of Plan!
09-04-2002

Due to various reasons we have decided to buy our own 250cc machine for the new season. We believe that to achieve our aim of winning the 2002 Manx Grand Prix, I need to be riding regularly, and with my other options of machinery, this might not have been possible.

Therefore, we have purchased our own bike. It is a 1997 RS 250cc Honda, which has been brought up to current specifications. It was built by the well known and respected Queens University of Belfast for use in World Championship Grand Prix by Jeremy McWilliams. If features a host of their own modifications, which make this bike one trick piece of kit. It will easily be the best 250 I have ever sat on!

To have a look at it, go to the Gallery here

We will up date you further when we have a bit more news as to when we will be out on it first, as well as the RG, which is still being built.

Martin Underwood Endeavour Award
02-01-2002

I was the proud recipient of the Martin Underwood Endeavour Award, which was presented at the recent Forgotten Era Championship dinner and dance held in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. It was the first time the award had been presented.

The silver rose bowl was donated by Malcolm Wheeler, a close racing friend of Martin Underwood who lost his life in a domestic accident 12 months ago. Martin was a fierce competitor, who raced the type of machines that we are using in FRC racing today.

Malcolm chose the title of the award because Martin didn't always enjoy the best of luck, but whatever racing threw at him he always bounced back smiling. Long after he stopped racing he was part of Malcolm's TT effort.

I was selected by the committee of the FRC for the effort I made in travelling across to all the FRC rounds, to race on circuits I hadn't seen before this season, and on several occasions gave the local lads a beating!

Machinery in 2002
02-01-2002

I am pleased to announce that I will be riding a 250 Honda again in 2002, for FRC Chairman, Steve Boam. Steve has been a fantastic help in 2001 with the Forgotten Era Championship, and it is good to have him on board in 2002. Hopefully I will be able to repay his faith with a Manx Grand Prix win.

I have decided to hold onto the RG Suzuki and have already spent a lot of money getting it ready for the new season. There is still more parts to come for it, and we are going to be busy getting it ready over the rest of the winter. It got better and better last year, and is a joy to ride. Hopefully these new parts will make it even faster in 2002, so beware!

2002 Dates
02-01-2002

I am still to confirm all my dates for 2002, but I can give you a brief outline of where you can expect to see me in 2002. Obviously the Manx is the number one aim again, and I will also be taking part in the Southern 100, Steam Packet International Races and the two Jurby Road Meetings all on Steve's 250 Honda.

I would like to contest the entire Forgotten Era Championship again, but it is unlikely due to date clashes and finances that this will be possible. Therefore I will be doing as many as possible and I will confirm at a later date which ones these will be. I will also ride the RG at the Pre TT Classic where I will be aiming to win the Post Superbike race for the second time, and there is a possibility that I may take in some races in Europe where I would ride the 250 also.