Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series is the fastest Scarborough newcomer of 2024, Galashiels Johnny Stewart.
Seven times a top three finisher combined from Spring Cup, Barry Sheene Festival, Cock O’The North events in 2024,
his answers to the set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“My first memory of Oliver’s mount just passed my bike test riding 3.5 hours down to the Gold Cup in 2017, Dean Harrison sending it, last of the 1000cc races.
I’d never seen anything like this before, so narrow down the back straight, 3-wide just blew my mind. Never expected 7 years later I would be on the other side of the fence.”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“Favourite part of the mount has to be the people and atmosphere, so welcoming, young fan coming up asking for a photo and sit on the bike it’s class, so good to see the young ones taking an interest, makes it feel special.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“For me, it has to be Jefferies jumps, scares the s**t out you every time, then having the boys moan about the holes in the bottom of the fairings, sorry lads, doing it for the photos!”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Has to be getting the best 2024 newcomer trophy, never expected anything like that sitting on the Spring Cup B-race start line, next to David McArthur and Grant Aitchison, 3 Scottish lads all wearing orange vests, looking like rabbits in headlights.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“No hesitation #122 David Suddes. He took me round for my three controlled speed laps as a newcomer, my arse fell out me, came back in thinking what the hell have I done, this isn’t for me.
I could not believe that was him taking it slow. Dave was so supportive of everyone, watching us new boys racing, big smile and thumbs-up when we come back in, loved the crack, loved the sport and his piss taking will be sadly missed.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“Watching them Sidecars boys they are mental, but me and brother Jimbo (team mechanic) would love a shot, I’ll steer and throttle, Jimbo can hang off the back.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Mental”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Any lad or lass that puts a bike on that line has my respect, but if I had to choose one Gary McCoy.
One fast laddie and he stopped to give me a lift back from monument out when I tucked the front and landed in the bushes trying to chase 3rd in the Cock O’The North feature race. Dave Suddes never let me forget it.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou