By It’s easy to cover events, when they revolve around your pique interest, in my case of course bike racing!
On Monday I visited the NEC in Birmingham, to take in this year’s Motorcycle Live.
As in 2021, there was no TT Races stand, which I wasn’t surprised about but still found disappointing.
I state this view, not from a selfish point of view, more from a perspective that the TT has lost out on nine days of guaranteed strong promotion.
From what I gathered, in particular from one individual, the beauty of the TT stand, regular throughout the 2010’s was it’s pull to those not able to attend the TT Races.
Putting this subject to one side, International road racing was still strongly represented yesterday via an array of machinery exotica including TT, Macau GP winning mounts.
Star names present included Peter Hickman, John McGuinness MBE, Glenn Irwin, Ben Birchall/Tom Birchall plus it was great to see Michael Booth on the Blackhorse stage, a true hero in more ways than one.
I and my dad managed quick catch-ups’ with Tourist Trophy film alumni Michael Russell, Michael Rees and former TT Privateers Champion Dan Cooper.
Now retired from Mountain Course affiliated competition, Cooper is now aiming to run his own team next year, potentially tackling both the TT and Manx Grand Prix.
What else to mention, well the inclement weather, the aesthetically pleasing Motorcycle Live programme front cover, walking around in circles!
A huge thanks to the media team at the NEC, for all their help, hospitality, professionalism.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
