By Unquestionably amongst Finland’s most decorated pure road racers, 13th place finisher in the 2015 Lightweight TT, Tuukka Korhonen, is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News ten questions challenge.
A highly rated exponent of two stroke, Super Twin and Supersport machinery, his answers to the popular series of questions, are as follows:
Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?
“A tough call this, I did Mid Antrim once and thought it was the maddest little circuit ever, but the races were cancelled because of weather.
Then I had a good trip to Cookstown once, which involved many interesting turns of events leading up to it.
But I think the best national roads outing for me thus far was at Ostrava Radvanice, in the Czech Republic. We had an absolute blast of a weekend. I’d put that as my number one national roads meeting.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?
“A 250 GP bike by far. I’ve raced a TZ250 (Yamaha), TSR250 and RS250 Honda’s and of course I enjoyed competing on all of them.”
Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?
“The people, the other racers, marshals and spectators. They make it feel like I’m not just out there to have fun, but am also entertaining others.
I like to think we put on a show for the people coming to the events, and the people coming over create the atmosphere. I wouldn’t do it if no one was watching like people do on purpose built circuits.”
Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?
The TT is in a league of its own. I love the Dundrod circuit, but crossing the finish line at the TT just takes a lot more doing, and you also feel the sense of achievement when you’ve done it.
North West 200 I’ve never tried because Horice is usually clashing time wise, and has guaranteed sunshine whilst the North West is offering hail or rain at best.”
Q5: Most Respected Rival?
“I’d say Anders Blacha, as I’ve raced many times against him and I’ve learned a lot from him as well.
He races clean and fairly and rides safe but quick. I also have respect though for anyone turning up via long distance travel with decent machinery, it takes greater effort than many realise.”
Q6: Best roads moment thus far?
“Winning at Horice in 2013 was nice for sure, as was getting a first TT replica. I’d say my best roads moment to date was my first TT in 2014, a truly great experience.”
Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?
“Somewhere closer to home like an event in Denmark, Sweden or Estonia.”
Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?
“I’d say Michael Rutter, he has been fast forever and still is ultra competitive. Plus he came over last year to race my home race, Imatranajo.”
Q9: Supersport or Superbike?
“Neither. I prefer more open rules like within the old TT F1 series. But if I’d have to choose, I’d go for Supersport.”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“Fastest lap. No question about it. Qualifying is just practice, race is what counts.”
Words by Stevie Rial
