The twenty fourth racer to take part in Road Racing News, recently launched Racing on the Irish Roads – Racers Recollections series is 2013 Lightweight Manx GP, Southern 100, multiple times Oliver’s Mount, Cookstown 100 winner Alistair Haworth.
His answers to the Irish road racing themed set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: What is your first Irish road racing memory?
“We all lined up with Phil McCallen for the newcomers’ lap and we just had to follow him. Phil’s obviously a handy lad and he’s on a 1000 and I’m a doughnut on a 400.
I think the next time I saw him was the following day. I just fudged my way round and chalked up the newcomers lap as complete.
Before setting off, I thought I’d ask Dwyer Agnew if he had any tips. Aye! Just f****n nail it he said. Job sorted!
With Phil’s lap and Dywer’s advice I couldn’t have been more ready.”
Q2: Present favourite Irish road race?
“Utterly loved Enniskillen. Absolute tank slapping rollercoaster of a ride organised by a great club but it’s pipped to first place by Tandragee. Abject joy!”
Q3: Who is your most respected fellow Irish roads exponent?
“Gotta be Paul Gartland. We first met at the mount (Scarborough) after knocking lumps out of each other and I thought he wasn’t going to be happy with it.
After the race, he pulled up in the paddock next to me and I thought, ok here we go then but then he started laughing and shouting about how he’d enjoyed it.
We’ve rubbed each other plenty of times since and taken road off each other but there’s always been respect. He clearly loves racing more than administration though.”
Q4: If you could alter one aspect, in particular, within the sport, what would it be and why?
“The sometimes-amateur nature and character led dictatorships. They’re accidents waiting to happen.
Racing motorcycles is dangerous and there will always be inherent risk by its’ very nature but unnecessarily increasing risk for both racers and spectators through negligence, will finish it off.”
Q5: To date what has been your favourite Irish roads moment?
“Taking Ryan Farquhar’s 10 year standing Supersport 400 lap record at Cookstown.”
Q6: Irish road racing summed up in one word, what would it be?
“Unique”
Q7: Is there any Irish roads event, that you haven’t raced at yet that you would like to?
“I’ve never raced at the Ulster or Dundrod meeting. Despite riders raving about it, it’s never flicked any sort of switch for me at all and that’s why I’ve probably never wanted to go. I feel the same way about Australia.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou