By Amongst a very select group of competitors to have secured a race win at Scarborough in the current decade, Redgate Motorsport supported Mike Mace is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News, growing in popularity Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series.
Fourth in last month’s Newcomers A Manx Grand Prix, his answers to the Scarborough themed series of questions are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“My first memory of Oliver’s Mount was turning up to my first race meeting on a bike I had bought 3 days prior, not knowing that if I didn’t qualify in the top 22 I wouldn’t be able to race.
We were sent out on our newcomers laps in freezing temperatures in rain and sleet. After our Newcomers instructor managed to crash while showing us round we bimbled round and back into the paddock to dry off.
I was firmly of the opinion of what the F*** am I doing here, when I was given the advice of using the moss on the track as a turn in point!! This was a first!”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“I love how unique the place is. From the Track itself to the fans and the paddock atmosphere, it really is like no other. No short circuit event comes close!”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“It would be easy to say the Jumps but I find them a bit of a pain. I quite like my wheels on the ground so always find myself lifting a touch.
For me it has to be at the top of the hill with the fast right before flicking left onto the back straight. Quite a technical bit of the course but when you get both corners spot on and get the drive onto the back straight, its a mega feeling.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Has to be getting the outright win in the B race final (2016 Barry Sheene Festival). Starting from 3rd I stalled on the formation lap and after everybody thankfully avoided me I got going and managed to keep my spot on the front row.
After getting to turn 1 in the lead I managed to open up a good gap in the 6 lap dash ahead of team mate and rival Craig Robertson to take the win.
Most of my racing career has been in Sub classes so this was only the second time I had took the outright win in a race.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“No hero as such. But the one I enjoyed watching the most was Daley Mathison coming into Mere Hairpin. I’m not convinced he ever approached in a straight line. Would love to be able to back it into there like he did.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“Any old 500 GP bike. Always wanted to have a go on one and always get jealous when I see them up at the Mount.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Special”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Any rider that lines up on the grid has my utmost respect. The amount of hard work and ability required just to get there goes to show just how much it means to each and every rider to race at Oliver’s Mount.”
Words by Stevie Rial
