Sixth in the 2017 Senior Manx Grand Prix, Scarborough’s Nick Anderson is the next rising roads star to take part in Road Racing News, ten questions challenge.
The former Newcomers B Manx GP rostrum finisher, answers to the popular series of questions, are as follows.
Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?
“It would have to be Oliver’s Mount, as that is the only national roads meeting I have competed.
Being from Scarborough, I have been all my life as a spectator and barely ever missed a meeting.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?
“My ZX6 Kawasaki I would say. I surprised myself that I was able to ride it to a reasonable standard after spending the previous 5 or so years on 400’s and Super Twins.
I aimed to go the the Manx GP last year with a target of 115 mph and came away with a 119.9 mph lap.”
Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?
“Probably the atmosphere associated with it and the camaraderie of the paddock. I have met many friends through it and most people look to help each other out.”
Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?
“TT for me. I prefer the layout of the event, that you sent off on your own against the course. Being the longest and most challenging for the machine also, makes it the most appealing to me.”
Q5: Most Respected Rival?
“I don’t have any one particular rival, especially due to racing in many different classes over the last few years.
I have had some good races with Alistair Howarth on the 400’s, and a close battle for the lead at the Manx GP with Mark Purslow a couple of years ago.”
Q6: Best roads moment thus far?
“Probably taking my first outright win on the 400 at Oliver’s Mount a couple of years ago.
It was a great moment, after growing up watching my hero’s race round there.”
Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?
“Another one in Yorkshire! It is the biggest and best county, with lots of great roads to hold a road race meeting.”
Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?
“Of the past David Jefferies; and present would be John McGuinness.”
Q9: Supersport or Superbike?
“Supersport, because I have never ridden a 1000cc. Having spent years racing 400’s, the riding style is more similar to a 600, in terms of corner speed.
I assume would be a lot harder for me to adapt to a Superbike.”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“Fastest lap. If you start from pole position you can only go backwards. It is good to come away from a race knowing you were the fastest, even if I didn’t win.”
Words by Stevie Rial