By The epitome of a stalwart of North Yorkshire’s world famous sole roads course, Oliver’s Mount, Russell Brook who’s Scarborough racing CV includes top three finishes at last years Cock O’The North Road Races, is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News worldwide popular ten questions challenge.
Russell’s answers to the popular series of questions are as follows:
Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?
“So far I have only raced at Oliver’s Mount, but the Mountain Course has got to be where my favourite pure road racing is (as a spectator). I’d love to race there if I can gain entry.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?
“Yamaha TZ 250 90 degree V twin. They are really easy to work on and beautiful to ride. I did my first road race at Scarborough on mine in something like 1992. They are getting expensive these days and not being mainstream they aren’t raced a many meetings.”
Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?
“I like the higher sensation of speed being so close to the surroundings and furniture’, that you don’t quite experience on a closed circuit.
The paddocks are full of great people, spectators who come out in all weather and marshals who we could not race without!”
Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?
“I haven’t had a chance to race at any of them, but the TT & Manx GP, Classic TT are my favourites.
The organisation, challenge for riders & machines, fantastic course etc, make them the best Road Race events on earth!”
Q5: Most Respected Rival?
“I have had a few over the years. I did a lot of sparing with the late Craig Mason, club & national racing in the early 90’s, very quick and fair racer!”
Q6: Best roads moment thus far?
“Racing with Steven Haddow & Ben Shuttlewood in the Junior 600 B races at Cock O’The North, Scarborough in 2017. All 3 of us were close on track all weekend. I finished 3rd in both races and learned a lot.”
Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?
“On the UK mainland on closed roads, but would the councils and heath and safety brigade allow it? It’s a shame Scarborough didn’t happen this year and I hope its not lost forever.
I would love to see a road race in the midlands. For example up the B6047 from Market Harborough to Melton Mowbrey, Over to Oakham on the A606, on to Uppingham on the A6003, then over towards Rockingham and back over to Market Harborough to complete a 55 mile lap.”
Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?
“Watching the late Kenny Irons got me hooked on motorcycle racing & Fred Merkel inspired me to start racing.
Helmut Bradl was my hero in 250 GPs, but for pure Road Racing Dean Harrison has impressed me a lot. Dean has always been smooth and fast, and has advanced really quickly while remaining down to earth.”
Q9: Supersport or Superbike?
“I’ve always rode and preferred the middleweight class. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s that was for 250 proddy and 250 GP bikes, now its 600’s. I fancy racing on the mini/Super Twins next year.”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“I think if you can get one you are capable of the other but if I had to pick, pole position.”
Words by Stevie Rial
