By Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series is Cookstown 100 Grand Final podium finisher, the Isle of Wight’s top real road racer, Ryan Whitehall.
Open B race winner at Armoy in 2023, amongst the top three finisher collectors of the 2021 Bob Smith Spring Cup, his answers to the set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“Oliver’s Mount was my first road race (2020 Barry Sheene Classic), and it was way scarier than I imagined it would be.
But I got used to it and really enjoyed racing there, the best part was finding out how close Lidl is to the circuit, was a change to the MSV club houses ripping you off at short circuits.”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“Probably the Lidl thing again, plus the little cafe they have in the paddock. Just the general atmosphere is nice and feels very grassroots, Oliver’s Mount has proper die-hard fans as well, which is nice. Shout out Val Milam.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“The run up that big hill and tipping into the right hander at the top.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Finishing my first ever road race there was my favourite memory.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“I can’t choose one but probably either David Jefferies, Roddy Taylor or Degsy (Stephen Degnan).”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“Me and George own a TZR 250 (Yamaha) that I raced there before but I got T-boned on! I’d love to race that there again and actually-finish the race, this time.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Annoying”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Roddy Taylor”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
