By Terms such as plucky, gritty, grass roots describe the latest racer to take part in Road Racing News Manx GP Top 6 series, which is Douglas inhabitant Stuart Bedford.
23rd within the 2015 Newcomers A race, three years an MGP exponent, 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?
“My first thought was how familiar it was but totally alien at the same time. I thought all of the laps in the car taught me were it went left and right but other than that it was completely different. All while exceeding every expectation I had of what it would be like!”
Q2: Most memorable Manx GP bike?
“I’ve only raced two bikes round there, so my GSXR-600 (Suzuki) was memorable because it was the one I did my first one on.
But it’s got to be the ZX6-R (Kawasaki) from 2017, might have had a few fuel pump issues but pushed me round for a 110 mph standing start lap and over 111+ for PB lap. Mega bit of kit.”
Q3: Most treasured memory from the Manx?
“Coming over the brow of Kates Cottage on my first lap on my own. We were out really late due to a delay and it was dark over Douglas, light down south and all the lights in Douglas were on.
Flat out on the best track in the world with that view, that’s probably one of the best moments of my life.
Also finishing my first race and seeing my dad super proud as he’d done the Manx in the 70s. Felt like a proper job done!”
Q4: Is there one specific Manx GP competitor that you look up to?
“The local stalwarts from Jurby that are always there to lend a hand or help with problem sections. Dave Moffitt, Dave Madsen-Mygdal, and Ste Beale. Plus Rodger Wibberley, top man, fast and always gives us a laugh!”
Q5: Describe the Manx GP in one word?
“Unbelievable”
Q6: Finally, if you could race one machine from any series, championship around the Mountain Course, what would it be?
“Probably have to be a TZ350 (Yamaha) or a proper factory Supersport bike, like the Team Traction Control R6 (Yamaha). Think proper Superbikes would be more scary than fun!”
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
