By Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series is 2023 Aintree Pre-Injection unlimited over 600cc Champion, Calon Racing’s Mike Bampton.
Amongst the rapidest Southern 100 newcomers of 2024, multi times a top ten finisher or better at Scarborough, his answers to the set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“Coming here as a spectator with my mates. Good times.”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“I do enjoy my food and there’s nothing better than heading to the café for a breakfast bap and soaking up the sociable atmosphere.
The early mornings there are a hub for the orange army and it’s great to chat with them. Yeah, the friendly supportive atmosphere that is generated in the paddock and amongst the spectators too. Nothing quite like it.
I can’t forget either my absolute must visit to Tika Tika for a well-earned Indian, (there I go again, talking about food).”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“Racing down the jumps and dropping down into the Farm Bends complex. I really enjoy the farm bends chicane section. Feels good on a Twin.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“There’s loads really. It’s hard to choose just one. I’ve really enjoyed having some great clean battles out there with many a rider but a top 5 finish in the Classic Superbike Class in 2022 (Steve Henshaw Gold Cup – aboard the Mistral Racing Kawasaki) is up there.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“For me, Ryan Farquhar. Relentless in his pursuit of victories. He just nailed everything he ever put his a**e on. I’m sure he pretty much won in virtually every class of racing.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“A Ducati V2 – for me the bike just oozes everything.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Different – it’s very, very different to anything else in the UK.”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Everyone, respect everyone.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
