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| Stephen John Returns for TT
2002 |
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American Stephen John will be returning to the TT in 2002. From
Seattle, this will be Steve's 5th TT.
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Steve first raced at the TT in 1997 on a 125cc Honda
which he brought with him from America. The cost of shipping the bike was
prohibitive, so Steve, ever resourceful, built several packing cases, stripped
the bike, and brought it all over as hand luggage. I bet the checkin desk at
Seattle got a shock when Steve turned up for his flight. Barry Wood was
enlisted to take Steve around the course and Barry's knowledge was invaluable.
At 6' 2" Steve was not the smallest 125cc rider on the grid. He had a steady
ride and left the Island with his finishers award determined to return in 1998.
True to his word he was back again in 1998 to race in the 125cc TT, but
this time it was decided to rent a bike from Padgetts. Steve wanted to achieve
a 100mph lap and just missed out on this in practice. The race didn't go to
plan after fuel splashed onto his visor on the first trip down Bray Hill and he
missed out on the 100mph lap, but he picked up his second finishers
award.
1999 was to see Steve move to the bigger bike and he rode 250cc
and 600cc machines. In the Junior TT he teamed up with fellow Americans Dwight
Mitchell and Garrett King to win the ACU International Club Team award. He
lapped at over 104mph on both machines during the races.
Early in 2000,
Dave Clarke purchased a 400cc Kawasaki to use in local club events on the
Island. Dave is a Sector Marshal (Kerrowmoar to Ramsey Hairpin) for the TT and
MGP and is also Treasurer of the IOMTTMA. He had helped Steve during his
previous TT visits and offered Steve the bike for the 400cc Lightweight TT. Out
of this was born Manx-American Racing.
Steve went on to win a bronze
replica in the 400cc TT. A 125cc Honda was again hired from Padgetts and Steve
was hopeful of finally cracking the 100mph lap on the little bike. However this
was not to be and Steve retired on the first lap at Greeba Bridge.
With
last years TT cancelled, Steve raced his 125cc Honda at some of his local
tracks for the first time in 2 years, just to keep his hand in. This year he
has again been out on the 125cc Honda at home. After 2 wins this season is
leading the WMRRA Open Singles Championship.
For 2002 Steve just has
the one ride in the 400cc TT. He is again riding Dave's Kawasaki, but over the
winter, a ZXR400 was acquired in the States and his mechanic, Jack Mills, has
been working on the motor. Steve will be bringing the motor, pipes etc. with
him when he arrives later this week ready to slot into the frame.
Manx-American Racing would like to thank Kingsmead Finance, Tommy
Leonard Motorcycles, FoTTofinders, Cycle Barn Sport Bike Club and John 'Harry'
Harrison for their support. In addition they would also like to thank the
marshals, medical staff and race officials who make it possible for us to
compete on the mountain circuit. Enjoy TT2002. |
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| Manx
American Racing Website |
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