By Three times a TT winner as a passenger alongside Nick Crowe, Darren Hope who since 2013 has switched to the driver controls for the three wheeling Mountain Course races, is the next competitor to take part in Road Racing News, Sidecar equivalent of the popular ten questions challenge.
16th in the opening Sure Sidecar encounter of TT 2017, the eight times TT rostrum finisher’s answers to the series of questions, are as follows:
Q1: Favourite Roads Meet?
“Obviously the TT, but Geddine in Belgium was also a very good circuit to compete at.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Engine?
“The thundercat Yamaha engine, was a good engine and was ideal shape for Sidecars.”
Q3: Best roads moment thus far?
“TT 2003, although we (alongside Nick Crowe) finished 2nd in both races, it was more of a complete shock that we finished where we did so soon, in our TT careers.
So when Mick Boddice waved us in the winners enclosure following the opening race, up the return road, I was crying my eyes out!”
Q4: Out of the current roads meets, is their one event in particular where you would like to see Sidecars compete?
“The Ulster Grand Prix.”
Q5: Most respected fellow driver?
“Everyone deserves respect for having a go, for instance Nigel Smith, he’s a gentleman does not care were he finishes, just wants to race.”
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Q6: Three Wheeling Hero?
“Moly (Dave Molyneux) but Rob Fisher was also class, fast and super smooth.”
Q7: What’s the best part about competing on the roads?
“Being able to ignore the speed limits!”
Q8: Three words to describe sidecar racing?
“Expensive, highs, lows.”
Q9: In your opinion, who is the greatest Sidecar TT racer of all time?
“Has to be Moly (Dave Molyneux), the man never loses his enthusiasm to compete at the highest level.”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“Ha! I don’t usually gain either, but I’d plump for fastest lap.”
Words by Stevie Rial
