By Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Manx GP Top 6 series is leading Swedish international road racer Markus Karlsson.
Earlier this year Sweden’s first MGP participant of this decade, his nations’ first ever IRRC race winner (Superbike Race Two – Horice 2025), 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?
“My first thought when I completed my first full lap on my own was, ‘S**t, now I have to do this completely on my own!’ Everything depended on me and how well I remembered the course.
But I enjoyed it so much! Every session I got quicker-and-quicker and I really enjoyed all the different challenges you face during a single lap. Blind corners, jumping over a bridge, elevation changes and the wing up on the Mountain. It was super exciting!”
Q2: Most memorable Manx GP bike?
“My most memorable bike was Michael Dunlop’s Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD. He was so fast on that bike! But I guess that’s more of a Classic TT bike.
Otherwise, I don’t really know. We were so busy working on my own bike between sessions that I did not have much time to look at the other bikes.”
Q3: Most treasured memory from the Manx?
“I would say the moment we had finished all the races. My girlfriend Mikaela and I had done almost everything ourselves.
All the hard-work planning the trip from Sweden, all the hours we spent on the Island getting me prepared and all the late nights in the garage getting the bike ready for the Manx.
Just making it through everything and finishing all the races felt like a huge victory for both of us. It’s a memory I’ll always treasure. And of course, I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us and helped make this dream come true.”
Q4: Is there one specific Manx GP competitor that you look up to?
“No, I didn’t really have any specific Manx GP competitor that I looked up to. But there was a-few of us riders from Europe, who performed well as newcomers.
I think that shows just how high the level of racing is in both the IRRC and ESR Championships, which was impressive to see.”
Q5: Describe the Manx GP in one word?
“Amazing!”
Q6: Finally, if you could race one machine from any series, championship around the Mountain Course, what would it be?
“Oh, that’s a tough question! If we’re talking about classic bikes, I’d say the Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD. But if we’re talking about modern bikes, I’d love to ride my BMW M1000RR or a Honda CBR1000RR-R around the Mountain Course.
I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to go over 300 km/h on those roads! The 600 felt fast enough in the beginning!”
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
