In todays Manx papers is news that Bob Hirst passed on on Thursday aged 60
He was runner up to John Goodall in the first Manx Senior Classic and finished 19th in this years junior Classic
Funeral is in Telford Shropshire this Friday

What do we think about the duke video offering for MGP 2002. Where are the 125 and 400 races. The 400 race was the closest ever MGP race, dukes response 9 seconds of coverage. Shame the winner was not from IOM instead of Scotland (WELL DONE ALAN BENNIE) he would of enjoyed at least 30 minutes. The tape concerns itself with IOM residents (just how many times do we need to see Tom Clucas in his IOM helmet) and the top three or four (NOT 125 or 400 THOUGH). The tape should try to give a fair view after all, other riders put just as much effort into this meeting and in most circumstances more than the winners, unfortunately all cannot gain a ride from an IOM sponsor.. They are unsupported and the backbone of the sport. Yes, it is appreciated that all cannot be shown, but lets remember the winners cannot win without someone to beat. HELL FIRE EVEN AN IOM LAMB GETS MORE COVERAGE THAN MOST RIDERS. Duke video you should hang your heads in shame. Further the supposed commentator obviously reading from a 'challanging' script fails to notice the junior and senior laps are out of order, he states sulby bridge is on the run to school house corner and sadly a 750 Kawasaki, on the start, is just that and not a flaming bullock suzuki.......

I was interested to see on IOM online that the
testing of riders at the TT and Manx GP may be brought in.
I was also interested to see that one of the guys sadly kilted in the collision at Ballaspur had traces of canabis in his blood.
Its hard to believe that anyone would ride while under the influence.
I seem to remember thought, that there were rumors of riders riding after drinking alcohol, some years ago.
Mike

I promise that this is my last posting for a while, albeit brief, but can anyone tell me if there has recently (in the last 30 years) been a race bike in the TT with BELT DRIVE--
I have notes which categorically state that there was intent to enter a one-off with a belt drive but I have no follow up on this--
Please help someone

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I note that it is reported that the TT will adopt transponder timing for the 2003 TT racing and practice, the transponders to be provided by the riders. It has also been rumoured that Mondello Park will require riders to have their own personal transponder - will these transponders be compatible or will a separate transponder be required for each location?? If the transponders are compatible who will be responsible for the allocation of frequencies which I presume will be unique to each rider?!!

Now for the bad news the TT article states that a separate transponder is required for each machine, is this really necessary or is it a rip-off invented by the providers of the system - providing the transponder is attached to the machine currently being ridden by the rider details of the rider can be recalled from the computer rider files for that class against the transponder frequency(identification).

I wholeheartedly agree with transponder type timing, but come off it organisers, a little bit of effort in composing rider files within the computer
will only require a rider to purchase one transponder - the boffin who writes the computer programme must(should) know this.

What is being suggested is akin to having a different passport for each country visited.

I invite the timing experts to give a good reason for separate transponders per machine!!!

Regards,

Big D.

Go on, spoil yourself. Some yummy Xmas presents in the Memorabilia section of the classified ads...

Has anyone any information on the Norton Geoff Duke rode in 1958 ?? Apparently out of the field of other Nortons it was the ONLY 349cc---
Was it an Entrants error or was it a "Special"

Answers please !!!

Belated Hoppy Birthday wishes to Cargo! His birthday was yesterday, Halloween. We don't know what Halloween costume he wore, but we can be sure that his hair was brilliant!

Just had the Duke Video brochures land on my door step--Well done Dukes--Great selection--
However I am intrigued to note the addition to the "Sports" videos/DVDs the 3 DVD set of the American Civil War by Ken Burns--
It is a superb series and, frankly, as being both a TT buff AND a Civil War re-enactor, this is quite a chance for me to have both interests fulfilled.....

In passing, could someone persuade Peter Duke to produce the film "Gettysburg" on DVD..I am searching every website world wide to see if there is one available--But only the videos are mentioned---What can you do for me Peter...PLEASE

I am trying to find out more about a rider from my original stomping ground, Geordieland, the rider Chris Horn who probably still hold the 1000cc Clubmans TT record lap---
I have some hazy material, lots of pickies, and notes left by my Dad who knew Chris personally and was helping him when Chris unfortunately failed to take Laurel Bank--Thanks to Amulree I have added to my photo collection but need more positive background--
Can anyone as old as me help please ??