By 1979 Newcomers Junior MGP runner-up, 1984 Classic, Senior TT winner, 1991 British 750cc/TT F1 Championship victor, the racing legend that is Rob McElnea is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News, rising in popularity Manx GP Top 6 series.
Fifth within the 1990 World Superbike Championship, 16 times a top six Grand Prix finisher, 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 can’t tell you how excited I was for my first early morning practice! I don’t think I ever had a more exhilarating experience as my first ever Bray Hill decent! And then to try and work your way around the course arriving at iconic sections and trying to stay calm, amazing.”
Q2: Most memorable Manx GP bike?
“For sure my TZ350 (Yamaha). The perfect bike to learn the track.”
Q3: Most treasured memory from the Manx?
“Collecting bike from Mylchreest garage and riding up Bray Hill before start of the race.”
Q4: Is there one specific Manx GP competitor that you look up to?
“Phil Mellor, I didn’t know him too well then but he was fast. I got to meet Conor McGinn, I think that was at the Manx! He was a top guy.”
Photo by Richard Johnson
Q5: Describe the Manx GP in one word?
“Treasured”
Q6: Finally, if you could race one machine from any series, championship around the Mountain Course, what would it be?
“I’m out of touch now. But I tested our R6 Yamaha Supersport bike back in the day. That would be the weapon.”
Words by Stevie Rial
