By One can only imagine what it’s like sitting on the start line for a TT, Manx GP, Classic TT race, focusing on the unprecedented challenge ahead of you.
Amongst those set for their maiden Mountain Course racing missions in 2022 include Jurby Airfield maestro Jamie Cringle.
Crowned in September for the first time Andreas Racing 1300cc Open Solo Centre Champion, he has recorded this year thirteen race wins in total from race stints at Jurby.
For two years now aiming to join the TT Races entry, the Manxman is ultra enthused about making his real road racing debut at the world’s most famous road race.
Recently I caught up with him to chat all things about the aforementioned plus much more.
Our uncontrived conversation reads as follows:
Q1: You’ve excelled again this year on the Jurby Airfield course, do you feel your ready for the TT step up?
“Yes I finally got the monkey off my back and managed to win the Solo Centre Championship which I’ve finished runner up in since 2018, so it was a good feeling to finally get it done!
We had a really good run on the Triumph 675cc this year breaking lap records clock wise and anti clock wise and managing to win the 600cc solo Championship a round early!
We also managed to get two trips to the UK. We went and raced at Donnington park with No Limits where I entered the Pirelli Super Series 1000CC class and Pirelli Super Series 600CC class coming away with podium finishes on both bikes and putting the Triumph 675CC on pole position for Sunday’s race!
Later in the year I went and raced with Thundersport GB at Anglesey entering the 600cc sportsman Elite class coming away with podium finishes too. So for the short time we had in the UK this year we had a positive run.”
Q2: Over the past two years, what have you found as the main challenging aspects about learning the iconic Mountain Course?
“Very hard question to answer as I think learning and racing around the TT course is two completely different things but I’ve put in a lot of effort up until now and will continue to until I set off down Bray Hill in 2022.”
Q3: What made you come to the decision in 2020 to target TT participation?
“I started my road racing career in 2017 a lot later than I anticipated for a few reasons but when I started I always had a 3-4 year plan to get as much experience as I could, as there is so much to learn in this game and I’m still learning to this day.
The goal was to get to the Manx GP or the TT in that time frame which I had achieved until Covid hit us!”
Q4: Leading up to TT 2022, which events are you aiming to tackle to keep race fit?
“Over the winter months I do a lot of motocross training to keep me bike fit. Leading into 2022 my plans are to do a full year of No Limits events, taking in the 600cc Pirelli super series class and then if we have the budget I would like to get on the British Superbike Calendar.”
Q5: Finally, what will it mean to you as a local racer, when you finally get the chance to circulate around the Mountain Course?
“I can’t wait to get going, after having to wait 2 years extra! It definitely makes it more exciting for myself, it also makes it more special being a local, having your family and friends scattered around the circuit cheering you on.”
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
