2009 Newcomers C victor, hugely respected 400 machinery specialist Adrian Kershaw is next to take part in Road Racing News rising in popularity, Manx GP Top 6 series.
Back to back 125/400 race winner at the Southern 100 in 2018, his answers to the Mountain Course themed set of questions are as follows:
Q1: When you first competed at the Manx, what was your first initial thought of the Mountain Course?
“I’d say it was the difference of how much trust and confidence in the Marshals you have knowing the course is clear.
Having done so many laps on open roads you’re always considering others, the freedom of the shackles being off, riding on closed roads for the first time is just like nothing I’ve ever experienced riding a motorcycle.”
Q2: Most memorable Manx GP bike?
“Got to say one of my own bike’s, the ZXR 400 Kawasaki, newcomers winning bike.”
Q3: Most treasured memory from the Manx?
“It would have to be the last few miles of my newcomers race just coming down the mountain keeping nice and smooth changing gear 500 rpm lower, just willing the bike home and then seeing the joy of my pit crew Tim Sayers, Simon Sayers,& Simon Perkin hanging over the pit wall absolutely buzzing, special memories.”
Q4: Is there one specific Manx GP competitor that you look up to?
“That would be Nigel ‘Speedy’ John. He was my mentor when I was accepted as a rider with the Mike Hailwood Foundation, he was a great teacher of the course, was serious when he was teaching us but such a funny guy.”
Q5: Describe the Manx GP in one word?
“Sublime”
Q6: Finally, if you could race one machine from any series, championship around the Mountain Course, what would it be?
“Honda RC45, one of my favourite bikes and the sound of those bikes is like chocolate for the ears.”
Words by Stevie Rial