Runner up in the 2009 Ultra Lightweight and 2012 Junior Manx GP races, Mountain Course stalwart Mike Minns is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News, ten questions challenge.
His answers to the popular series of questions, are as follows:
Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?
“Favourite road race has to be the Manx Grand Prix.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?
“In my 20’s it was a Sidecar, but since then it has to be the Yamaha R6 built by Ian Bell.”
Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?
“The best part about pure road racing is, it makes you feel alive, short circuit racing never makes you feel like it as Steve McQueen once said, Racing is life any thing before or after is just waiting.”
Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?
“I’ve never done TT, North West or the Ulster GP, but I’ve been a spectator at the TT for 40 years.”
Q5: Most Respected Rival?
“I respect everyone I’ve raced against, and hope to be friends with them for a lot more years to come.”
Q6: Best roads moment thus far?
“Coming second twice at the Manx Grand Prix has to be my main highlight, but just taking part is a highlight in itself.”
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?
“Would be good to see racing back at any of the old roads circuits in Europe.”
Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?
“My heroes are my dad Ken Minns, Eric Oliver and Mike Hailwood.”
Q9: Supersport or Superbike?
“Supersport for me, not brave enough to ride a big bike.”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“Tough call, been on pole and didn’t win, also been fastest in races and didn’t win.”
Words by Stevie Rial