By Following on from yesterday’s article, the second part of Road Racing News un-distilled, candid conversation with Mike ‘Spike’ Edwards about his time racing at the North West 200, is as follows:
Road Racing News:
All time top North West 200 machine?
Mike Edwards:
“My 1994 V&M (Valentine & Mellor) Yamaha FZR600. Brilliant bike, super-fast, handled great and put together by the best team in the paddock.”
Road Racing News:
Favourite moment from competing around the Triangle?
Mike Edwards:
“So many fantastic moments but one that sticks in my mind was during the 600 race in 1993.
Simo (Ian Simpson) and I were neck and neck on the run to Coleraine, looking across at each other having a great time, flat out in top gear.
About three quarters the way down the straight Jim Moodie passed the pair of us like we were stopped and cleared off into the distance, never to be seen again (until the podium).
Ian and I half sat up and looked at each other, WTF was Jim on not a 600 that’s for sure, we both thought. We talk about it to this day when we meet oh how we laughed.”
Road Racing News:
If you could alter one aspect, in particular about the NW200, what would it be and why?
Mike Edwards:
“I want to say the remove the chicanes but appreciate that it can close up a race and in some-areas improve rider safety.
However, at what point do you stop adding or taking bits away from any track to create a safer environment.
I feel it desensitises riders to the dangers of the track, yes creates more passing places etc but if you want to create the ultimate safe race track you end up with a drag strip on a beach.”
Road Racing News:
North West 200 summed up in one word, what would it be?
Mike Edwards:
“Atmosphere”
Photo credit: Dave Burr
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
