By Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series is seasoned CB 500 category exponent, Shildon’s Dan Blades.
Second overall from CB 500 races across the 2023 Steve Henshaw Gold Cup, his answers to the set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“My first memory at Scarborough was as a spectator back in 2017. I had no race licence at the time, but the atmosphere & watching the late Daley Mathison going around the place really gave me the urge to push on and move on from trying to win inters at the odd track day!”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“It must be the support you get all weekend from the spectators. Coming out of the holding area onto the start finish to see everyone on the hill, really gets you going.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“Going up Sheene’s Rise and through the Esses is good fun. Heading down through Jefferies Jumps into farm bends isn’t far behind though.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Finishing 2nd Overall (CB500’s) at the Gold Cup meeting in 2023. Last meeting of the year for me and it topped the year off nicely. First & last bit of prize money to date too!”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“I think it probably must be Daley Mathison, he was always the standout rider when I came to watch at the Mount. Having spoken to him in the paddock, he’s probably the one that made me think it was possible to come and race here one day.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“I’ve sent the past year or so developing my KTM 790 Duke. As it stands it doesn’t fit into any of the Oliver’s Mount regulations.
However, with the new generation Twins/BSB Sport-bikes becoming popular, I’m hoping it’ll be eligible in the next year or so. I’ll be racing it in Bemsee Super twins this year.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Narrow”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“I’ve had some great battles with Ste Sewell at the Mount on the CB500. Rubbed elbows a few times but it’s always been fair racing.
He’s obviously fond of me too, having only put enough fuel in for 7 out of 8 laps, allowing me to pass him to claim a top three position at the Gold Cup in 2023.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
