By Creating a huge buzz pre-event, roads scene insiders were intrigued to see how fourteen times TT winner Peter Hickman, would deal with North Yorkshire’s ‘Mini TT’ Oliver’s Mount.
As at the previous week’s Southern 100, Hickman, riding under the Swan Racing by PHR Performance Triumph banner, race on race was getting more comfortable, understanding the 2.43 miles long circuit’s quirks, consistently getting quicker.
Not wishing to boast, I made a premonition, that he would claim the Cock O’The North Feature Race crown.
This premonition proved correct with Hickman emerging best, from an enthralling four-rider scrap for race spoils.
Before giving Triumph their first ever Cock O’The North Feature Race success, becoming the second fastest newcomer in this decade at Scarborough (top lap time – 1.47.619), the Mountain Course and Ulster Grand Prix lap-record holder stated last Friday:
“Another novice bib! Looking forward to it to be fair, I have only ever been here once before, just to watch, just to spectate for one day and that was seven years ago.
So yesterday was my first time back here and obviously we don’t get to ride till tomorrow but looking forward to it, should be decent.”
Following his dad Dave Hickman in competing at England’s only active road race venue, ‘Hicky’ admitted he has a bit to live up to, in mirroring the 1970’s Scarborough front-runner.
Third x2 from Pub & Kitchen Super Twin races, the three times Senior TT winner explained why he opted to bring 660 Daytona Triumph Sportbike equipment instead of Northwest 200 winning YZF-R7 Yamaha Super Twin tackle.
“The R7 costs an absolute fortune to run because it is a proper Super Twin.
So, I’ve brought the Sportbike because that’s’ the way the class needs to go really for the future, think it is going that way.
Just because, Super Twins, there-as-much-expense as a Superbike, which is ridiculous, should be an introductory class and my R7 is worth over 100 grand, it’s ridiculous.”
When asked whether the 80th Anniversary Gold Cup is on the cards, he succinctly said:
“Who knows, we have spoken about it but no decision as of yet.”
Since this conversation, indicators look good for Oliver’s Mount racing fans to see the international road racing great, in action in September.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
