sorry des, i was really looking forward to helping you at the manx. i was also looking forward to picking you off the floor after too much firewater. keep in touch and see you later in the year - but not in the bull!!! ade! and deb.

does anyone know if irish road racing is still on?how do you get regs etc.ive never been to any irish races,but would like to. if the manx is off,its a good time to try it.i havent any idea of whats on when,which is a good one to try etc.got a 400 and a national licence.ta for any help

Here is food for thought. A rescue package has been anounced tonight on TV promising to reimburse Manx Hotels and Guset Houses for their plight?. What package will be provided for the financial losses of the riders and teams. We are in the main unfunded privateers who spend the greater part of our avail;able funds in racing. Personally I have 'invested' over 2 thousand pounds towards the MGP 2001, reacue package for me?. Sorry was that the faintest hint of a Manx LARF

One of the posters on the main board took people to task for continuing to eulogize Joey,he called them self-indulgent fans. Although it may be possible to see where he is coming from, those who still feel his passing difficult to accept should be allowed to express their sentiments on this first anniversary. So thanks for this special purpose message board.
In all sports there are champions who seem to have something unique, the enthusiasts are aware of it but find it difficult to describe. It is like a magic presence which, win or lose, is not diminished by age or injury. Simply it is like a love affair that cannot be rationalised. My brother and I came to see the TT for the first time last year to fulfill a lifelong dream. We saw every practice session and race, wet or dry, early or late and loved every minute of it. But the most enduring memory we took away to Australia was being privledged to see a champion in action. There were faster riders and younger riders but one rider stood out from the rest at almost every one of our many vantage points. Joey was smooth,fast and had his own lines through every corner. I must admit that on arrival at the Island I felt the hype was a little much, but I was proven very wrong, it was every bit deserved. If only we could bring the same concentration and dedication to our own lives without losing the common touch we would be lucky indeed. Is it self-indulgence or genuine regret that we cannot fully express in words the loss we still feel ?

An official announcement by the MMCC states that the MGP has been cancelled, primarily due to the continuing threat from Foot and Mouth.

We will post more information as we get it.

Announcement later today.........

Remember Donington Park last year. McWilliams in tears on the podium having ridden the wheels off the Aprilia but only finishing third. He dedicated the race to Joey. This time McWilliams got his first win two days before Joeys anniversary in tricky conditions.
I like to think that Joey was looking out for him.

Well it is one year since that dreadful day--
I have spent today remembering Joey and all his achievements and his family--Our thoughts MUST be with Linda and the whole family-

LEST WE FORGET

Has anyone else noticed that road closure acts have today been passed by Tynwald for the 2001 Manx games. There will be cycle races held on closed roads the second week in July, also temporary parking permits have been granted. Bikes racing on closed roads on the Isle of Man in 2001, NOW THERES A THOUGHT. Take a look at the IOM Tourism site, an interesting read don't you know.

I was on my way down to the local Spar listening to Radio 5. They were rambling on about the days cricket scores or something similar. At the end of the sports round up the presenter casually mentioned that Joey had been killed in Estonia. He said it in such a non-important way that I wasnt sure whether he really said it or I had dreamt it.

I got home and checked ceefax and sure enough it was true.

Writing this now im getting choked up, to me he was the greatest sportsman of our time.

I miss you Joey.