Four times a Manx GP top twenty finisher, 22nd within the 2018 Lightweight TT, ex Hang gliding, Paragliding World Champion Rob Whittall is the 100th racer to take part in Road Racing News rising in popularity, Manx GP Top 6 series.
Now resident in New Zealand, the racer who is originally from Leeds 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 was you bloody idiot bitten off more than you can chew this time. That was after the controlled speed lap!
As it turns out riding a solo lap is way easier than trying to follow in a group where everyone has no idea except the guy at the front who you can no longer see, because there are six newbies in front of you all with no lines and no idea how fast we should be going!”
Q2: Most memorable Manx GP bike?
“SV650 (Suzuki) that Jon Richards built for me. It was a sick ride and looked the dogs bollocks with a Ducati/Aprilia mix bodywork not to mention twin pipes and lots of quality components.
It was awesome to ride too, handling was really good, it was a confidence inspiring bike,a good thing when you are racing the Mountain Course.”
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Q3: Most treasured memory from the Manx?
“Like many other riders I guess, finishing that first race was priceless. All the effort and time to getting there paid off and no one can take it way from you.”
Q4: Is there one specific Manx GP competitor that you look up to?
“No one, but all so friendly, advice from veterans, fast guys and inspiration from all the passion around the pits. Barry Wood and Dave Moffitt were so helpful and there two are seasoned campaigners!
But in general I tip my hat to all the riders out there, it’s not a walk in the park and take’s a dedicated person to take it on.”
Q5: Describe the Manx GP in one word?
“Cosmic!”
Q6: Finally, if you could race one machine from any series, championship around the Mountain Course, what would it be?
“Honestly, I think a pimped out Super Twin is all I can handle! For sure a Moto 2 would be epic but I do not have the skill or balls to ride one of those flat out, a 600 is already as fast as f***!”
Words by Stevie Rial