| Jurby Race
Meeting
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Every time I leave a race meeting at Jurby Airfield I
always say that I'm not going back for a while, but each time I find myself
back out there braving the elements just to catch a glimpse of a racing bike
being ridden in anger, which to be honest is something we may not see much of
this year.
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Matty
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Paul
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Today we were experimenting with my new roving
cameraman for the TT, Matty Boyd and having a general play round with the
camera. However there was lots of interesting goings on out at Jurby today,
which will interest many of you TT fans out there I'm sure.
It was great
to see Paul Dedman and Decca Kelly making comebacks to racing, which many
people thought might never happen. Both riders were in horrific accidents and
it has been a long haul back for both of them. They both seemed to be lapping
fast with each race, and I'm certain it won't be long until they are back
competing at the top of this great sport once more. We wish them all the very
best.
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Decca Kelly
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Paul Dedman
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Milky Quayle once again showed why he is rated as the
best Manx rider at the present with some dominant performances in the damp
conditions. He was out for the first time on Mark John's super quick and super
trick RC45 which has been bored out to 780cc. He was also out on his 250cc
Aprilia and his R6 Yamaha, although he wasn't having it all his own way in the
smaller classes.
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The Mighty RC45
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Milky!
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In action
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Manx Grand Prix star Nigel Beattie was flying on his
little 250cc Honda, and managed to edge out Milky in the first 600cc Race.
Nigel is a good bet for honours in the Manx Grand Prix once again, in which I
think will be his last year in the event whether he wins it or not. He has
strong TT ambitions, and I'm sure he has the talent to fulfil them.
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Nigel Beattie
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Other TT and Manx Grand Prix competitors out riding
well included Paul Hunt, Ian Pattinson making what I think must have been his
first outing at Jurby, Chris Palmer who was going well on the 125cc machine but
still seems to be having trouble adapting to the big R1 and the stylish Paul
Corrin.
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Paul Hunt
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Ian Pattinson
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Chris Palmer
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Tommy Clucas, who is hopeful of success in this years
Manx Grand Prix Newcomers event was another ride to impress on the day with a
storming ride to third place in the second Championship Race. Look out for him
this year.
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Tommy Clucas
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It is good to finally see some interest in the Sidecar
events out at Jurby, after many lean years. The grid could hardly be described
as full, but it is improving. TT Website columnist Dave Molyneux was absent due
to ongoing work on his latest outfit, but Nicky Crowe and Darren Hope kept the
spectators entertained with some fantastic performances.
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Close racing at Jurby
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The duo hope to make their TT debuts this year, and if
current form is anything to go by, the should be hopeful of a good performance,
which could give them the Newcomers Award and certainly a chance at least of
lapping over 100mph. Look out for them this year, they are certainly my tip for
the top.
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Nicky Crowe and Darren Hope
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I was pleased today to see the TT Website logo appear
on a few machines. Hopefully it will be on a few more before too long. Young
Richard Murphy was one of the riders carrying the log for us, on his emaculate
Mannin Collections 125cc Honda. Richard is a lad who has the right amount of
talent and enthusiasm to carry him far in the sport, and he will be hopeful of
emulating his brother's success, who is a 125cc British Supercup
runner.
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The bike
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The rider
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The Logo!
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Rob Sells, son of Manx Grand Prix veteran Dave was
another to carry the logo. Rob is another ultra enthusiastic rider, who is
totally devoted to his racing and is improving with every race and hoping to
turn his local form into success in the ACU Star Championship.
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The bike
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The rider
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The Logo!
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So all in all, a very interesting, if not cold day.
The Andreas Club are certainly trying hard to get the action moving a bit
quicker these days, and the pastie(s) I had from the van were hot today too, so
you can't complain. The action resumes tomorrow, so if you are on the Island,
get yourself down to Jurby for a skeet. You never know, it might be the only
racing you see for a while.
Paul Phillips and Matthew
Boyd for TT Website.com
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