By Runner up within the feature race of the 2009 Cock O’The North Road Races, a top three finisher at the Spring Cup National, Barry Sheene Festival and Gold Cup meets, highly regarded Scarborough specialist Kiaran Hankin is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News, growing in popularity Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series.
Hankin who’s outpaced at the mount stars such as Ian Lougher, Gary Johnson and Michael Dunlop, answers to the Scarborough themed set of questions are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“First memory is of a family trip to Oliver’s Mount in the seventies back in Barry Sheene’s day, although I’m not sure I remember to much about it but I’ve seen me in the photos!!”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“Hard to pick one, but I used to like the amount of bike time you get there, with 2 bikes you don’t stop all weekend.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“I like all of it, but it was nice getting Farm Bends section right and setting up a pass into the first corner.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Somehow I managed to be on pole in a Superbike race at the Gold Cup in 2009, I remember looking round and seeing all the superstars and thinking don’t cock this up!”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“I’d have to go for Guy Martin, he was the man round Scarborough in my time racing there.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“I’ve built a 500/4 Honda for the Classic TT, I’ve heard a rumour they might be running a class for it at the Barry Sheene meeting in July if they can get things sorted, so really looking forward to riding that!”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Exhilarating”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Mark Buckley, loved racing with him, Mark and his family were so enthusiastic and loved there racing.
Words by Stevie Rial
