I had decided to race the Manx GP in 2016 in November 2015 when the Rowe Racing team mentioned that they were looking for a suitable 2nd rider for their 2016 race team. Having ridden an almost identical bike, the Ducati 696 built by Brian Rosser I knew if I was to have a real go at the Isle this was my opportunity. So I grabbed it with both hands.
There have been a lot of processes involved just in entering the race. First up is getting the International licence. This required a medical examination and specific insurance that wasn't cheap.
Accomodation, van rental, flights also all had to be organised late 2015 early 2016. I need to bring my own transponder and dog tags with my details on it.
The International licence is not enough on it's own, a rider is also required to get a Mountain course licence which requires at least 6 days racing results from the last 12 months of which you must have finished within 90% of the winners time. A new rule for 2016 has been newcommers have to complete a training course on the Isle of Man. Unfortunately the course was run in February and March while the regulations only came out after the courses had been run. This ruling brought in by the ACU has caused us a bit of drama. Fortunately the organisers of the Manx GP have been extremely accommodating and are going to run the course just for my sake straight after the TT. Thanks heaps to the Manx Motorcycle club, Caroline, Ann and John.
My entry into the Supertwin and Newcommer B classes have been accepted after a rigorous selection process so now I just need to complete the training course, aquire the Mountain course licence and finish the racebike.
Accomodation, van rental, flights also all had to be organised late 2015 early 2016. I need to bring my own transponder and dog tags with my details on it.
The International licence is not enough on it's own, a rider is also required to get a Mountain course licence which requires at least 6 days racing results from the last 12 months of which you must have finished within 90% of the winners time. A new rule for 2016 has been newcommers have to complete a training course on the Isle of Man. Unfortunately the course was run in February and March while the regulations only came out after the courses had been run. This ruling brought in by the ACU has caused us a bit of drama. Fortunately the organisers of the Manx GP have been extremely accommodating and are going to run the course just for my sake straight after the TT. Thanks heaps to the Manx Motorcycle club, Caroline, Ann and John.
My entry into the Supertwin and Newcommer B classes have been accepted after a rigorous selection process so now I just need to complete the training course, aquire the Mountain course licence and finish the racebike.