By Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series is 130 Mph Club TT member, 2024 Senior Classic Manx Grand Prix winner Shaun Anderson.
Eighth in last June’s Senior TT, Support race winner x2 on debut at Scarborough (2023 Steve Henshaw Gold Cup), his answers to the set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“I was a late visitor to the mount, I think coming to the Cock O’The North in 2014, to see my then girlfriend (now wife) Sarah Anderson (previously Boyes) race. It was a normal British summer weekend, so ended up changing wheels mostly.
But did get down to mere to watch a bit. Was a great time as you had Lintin (Ivan) Deano (Harrison) Coward (Jamie) and Cowton (James) all battling.”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“I guess it is the marker of where we are in the season. So much of my calendar is focused on the TT, but Scarborough is usually the season opener with the Spring Cup, and closer with Gold Cup. So, it marks the season out.
I think what Andy (Hayes) and his team have done is brilliant to keep the event going and they have great communication with the riders, who are treated with respect from the guys at the front to the back.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“Jefferies jumps, has real character, fast and flowing and takes real guts. The nature of the course is not the most flowing, with so many hairpins, but the fast run down the hill always puts a smile on my face.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“I have only had a chance to race once at the Gold Cup (2023). I was lucky enough to win (B-race) which is nice. But I think a top 10 in the Super Twins race was the highlight so far.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“I think coming from back home Ryan Farquhar has always been the man round the mount.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“I mean something exotic would be nice, I think a 250 GP bike like a TZ 250 5ke (Yamaha), would be very nice to experience the sound up through the trees.
But a Kramer GP2 with its big 2-cylinder torquey engine and lightweight configuration might be faster.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Challenging”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“I think out of the current crop of front runners, Gary McCoy. Me and Gary get on really-well. But I could do with a few more tips from him to bridge the gap to the front group.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
