Ten Questions Challenge – Jack Hunter

Ten Questions Challenge – Jack Hunter

Sixth within the 2014 Newcomers B Manx Grand Prix, a top 20 finisher in the Junior Classic TT of 2016, consummate Mountain Course competitor Jack Hunter is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News, worldwide popular ten questions challenge.

Son of 1986 Newcomers Senior Manx GP victor Jim Hunter, his answers to the popular series of questions are as follows:

Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?

“It’s a tough choice that between the Pre TT-Classic and the Manx Grand Prix but I’d have to go for the Pre TT.

The Manx is a very serious meeting that requires a lot of preparation whereas the Pre TT has always been more enjoyable for me, especially since riding Robert Taylor’s or Wobbly Bobs 350 K4 Honda.”

Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?

“That’s another tough question between the 350 K4 Honda and my 1986 GSXR 750 Suzuki or the ‘slabbie’.

I’d have to say the GSXR, I won my first ever race and championship on her and most of my favourite moments have been on the old slabbie. The bikes a handful to ride but great fun, she needs a lot of TLC now and is becoming a bit old in the tooth for the Classic TT.

However, I’m thinking about building her into a good production racer for the CRMC Pro-stock series. I just wouldn’t have the heart to flog the bike on!”

Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?

“It has got to the adrenaline rush for me, I guess any sport that has a level of risk involved makes it more exciting.

My girlfriend gets hurt more than me playing hockey and I’m sure If they played with foam balls and rubber sticks the game would lose its edge.

However, after having a nasty bike accident going to work I don’t go looking for trouble anymore which is why I love riding the 350 now, I’ve never been a big bike person.”

Photo by Nick Wheeler

Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?

“It has got to be the TT for me, I’m probably a bit bias being Manx but it such a unique event.

I think the North West is really exciting to watch on TV, especially the slip-streaming, but after going to watch it I felt it was to over commercialised for me.”

Q5: Most Respected Rival?

“My biggest and most respected rival by far is my mate Ian Raybon. We’ve worked together as toolmakers for a long time and had own Swagelok championship.

He did a season racing 125’s in BSB, we always clashed at Jurby as although he was faster than me my super-twin was quicker than his RS 125.

My only chance to win was to get an early lead and get to the back straight first. His corner speed on the 125 was epic and if he was behind me, one missed apex or braking mark and he’d be past!

We pushed each other all the time, constantly improving our personal bests. His RS 125 bike to was something else too, still the best prepared privateer race bike I’ve ever seen.”

Q6: Best roads moment thus far?

“Definitely the lightweight race at my first Manx GP in 2014, the Newcomers race didn’t go so well but the Lightweight race was great fun.

The bike ran like a dream and I got a great tow off an experienced rider which got me to a 105 mph lap. I think your first Manx GP is always special too, for me it was a reward for 3 years of competing to get my national ACU license.”

Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?

“After the terrible weather at this year’s Manx GP I’d say Majorca! But to be serious I’d love to see the Manx Cylpse course used again, the old road circuit that goes up to the Creg and back through Onchan.

It’s all being re-surfaced now and would be incredible! If I ever got into power then that would be my first act through parliament. Oh, and bike racing to be put into the school curriculum, never liked playing Rugby!”

Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?

“Never really had a hero, always admired Joey Dunlop growing up. However, after meeting a racer called Arthur Browning he’s my new hero.

Most of my generation won’t know who he is, Arthur was a very successful Motocross, trials, and speedway rider back in the 60’s and 70’s. I met him as he started classic Road Racing recently and wobbly Bob sponsors him too.

He’s also a great engineer and I love seeing the custom bikes he’s has built. We race together now, I think he’s in his 70’s and still fast so I’ve got a lot a respect for him.

Nice guy too but a tough man, everyone who thinks Chuck Norris it tough obviously hasn’t met Arthur Browning!”

Q9: Supersport or Superbike?

“To watch it’s got to be the Superbikes, there just insane! To ride it would be the Supersport and even that would be too fast for me!”

Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?

“I’ve been on pole once in my life, it was a great feeling but made me very nervous, so I’d say fastest lap.

Nothing more satisfying than getting a new personal best or seeing a rider break a record! My mate Nick Anderson got his first 120mph lap this year, it was such a good feeling, never been happier for him!”

Words by Stevie Rial

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