Well its that time again......NW 200 first practise in three days time.
It was a great experience last year and I'm certainly looking forward to
this one second time round. We're hoping for a bit more of a trouble
free run this time ! Having made it to the start line with minutes to go after
breaking down on a race warm up previous to the start of the 125/400 race, I counted myself lucky to get back to the paddock and replace the clutch ! We thank John Lilley for that !
We hope that my Dad or Helen will keep you updated on my progress.
I'm hoping to finish higher up this year or at least get some dry laps in !
Finishing 22nd last year ahead of three regulars I considered it a good
result for me in the wet/damp conditions.

So all the best to everyone else racing at the NW200 and any of you
board regulars be sure to say hello, you'll find us parked with Anita Buxton
and Peter Wakefield.

I'll post any messages txtd to me by Gail, until I get there on Friday. Then I guess I'll have to find a cybercafe! Good luck, wee yin...and Anit...and safe, fast racing for all.

Good Luck have a safe dry ride

Good luck gail, have a fast, safe and breakdown free ride, good luck, John

Go Girl.....best wishes, Jan

Yes, we will all be watching Gail, but no more playing to the crowd at the grandstand please.

Good luck Gail and more important a safe NW.

Good luck lass,marshaling at magic rabout,will wave,dont wave back.barnesie.

Oh, don't encourage her, or she will show off like she did at the Grandstand last year!!

Thanks for the messages.
I had a rubbish practise on Tuesday, so off we went
to Kirkistown, what a great track.
Then out on Thursday wet/damp session, with David
giving me times which I thought were rubbish,
until I saw I was 19th out of 27th. I was well
chuffed at this.
Dry race day but I was disappointed so I hoping
for wet next year !
I was lucky not to be taken out on first lap at
University and had to avoid a rider taking another
with him, I know who it was !
Better luck next year hey but at least I was
under the qualify times.

AND what a race Anita had..brilliant.

Garry D you should be ashamed ! Stick to yer guns!

Gail. Go on then enlighten me on why I should be ashamed, for having an opinion which I still stand by.

I shall stick to my guns, as you never fail to deliver what I'm pointing out about slow and dangerous riders!

Who was this other rider that you mention? As I'd like to hear their side of the incident as I imagine it would differ greatly to yours. If David and yourself don't agree with my comments. That's your problem, not mine.

Somebody always has to finish last, I was
fortunate to finish even if I was last finisher,
better than not at all.
I wish I had more money to be able to get more track time which I lack. But I enjoy my 125 and I do go better in the wet, as I surprised myself
on Thursday evening 19th out of 26th, not bad
considering, I haven't ridden since MGP.
People do things because they enjoy it, pity
but always someone likes to try and belittle others. You sound like another Mick Grant, likes
to have the track to themselves.

I see you didn't answer my question Gail ? I think Mick Grant did voice some good points, and bad during his career. He himself the victim of a high speed collision with a rider, who was just to slow to be out there.

Safety for all riders out is of paramont importance, you have raced for many years to know this yourself surely. Maybe the truth hurts !

Well, I'm bl**dy proud to know and support Gail. I went to the NW200 specifically to see her race, and she has financial and practical support from some pretty experienced people who also believe in her.
As for Anita Buxton, she was a worthy 6th, just pipped for 5th by our own flying Scot, Bob Grant.
Hope you get your leg fixed soon, and it puts you in a better mood!

Helen, I'm always in a good mood