I was on my way down to the local Spar listening to Radio 5. They were rambling on about the days cricket scores or something similar. At the end of the sports round up the presenter casually mentioned that Joey had been killed in Estonia. He said it in such a non-important way that I wasnt sure whether he really said it or I had dreamt it.

I got home and checked ceefax and sure enough it was true.

Writing this now im getting choked up, to me he was the greatest sportsman of our time.

I miss you Joey.

I was proud to know Joey as my hero and my friend.
May I just repeat my message on the main chatboard.
To use a well known phrase which means so much.

"LEST WE FORGET"

Big D.

It's true what everyone says - you'll never forget where you were or what you were doing when you heard the news about Joey's death.

I'd been out on the bike all day and found out via the internet. I remember reading the press release and subsequent messages with a complete sense of disbelief - it took a fair while for it actually to hit me. What an absolutely awful day. One year on and what can I say? I still have a sense of disbelief in a way, as when I watch the TT videos it seems like he's still here.

I just like to think that Joey is having a great time on a brilliant racetrack "up there", racing with all the other late greats (Hailwood, etc).

My thoughts are with Joey's family on this day.

With guest houses wanting their money and bikes to prepare and pay for, why should we wait until the 20th July for somebody to make their mind up, because if it is called off the IOM tourist board will say, just like the TT, "PLEASE COME ANYWAY".So stop fannying about and tell us now, IS IT ON OR NOT.

Former British 125 Champion Garry Dickinson is looking for a competitive 125&or 250 ride for Aberdare Park later this month.

Garry can be contacted via e-mail at
<A HREF="mailto:garrydickinson@aol.com">garrydickinson@aol.com</A>
phone 07973 868660

or via me at

<A HREF="mailto:thebagofdryleaves@ntlworld.com">thebagofdryleaves@ntlworld.com</A>

To view Garry's profile and web site goto
<A HREF="http://www.garrydickinsonracing.iofm.net">www.garrydickinsonracing.iofm.net</A>

Cheers

Russ Henley

COMPETITIONS ON
<A HREF="http://www.manxnewcomers.iofm.net">www.manxnewcomers.iofm.net</A>
CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (well I might let the odd late one in tommorrow)

So dont miss out on your chance to win
TYRSOX TYRE WARMERS
SPRINT DAMPERS
TRIKBITZ PADDOCK STAND
WIZ KNEE SLIDERS

Has anyone else noticed that the IOMSPC has brought forward the settlement date for the MGP sailings to 30 June 2001. Strange that! the new date is before the MHK's decision and the old one after it. Or am I missing the point.

Nice to read about you,Ewan.Hope you are managing to do some racing--unlike me,all the roads are called off.

What about having a haircut before the Manx-Im sure that should bring a change of luck!

Maybe see you in August,although I cant see it personally.Good Luck anyway.

Barry

I DO NOT BLAME JOHN TURNER FOR PULLING OUT OF THE MANX GP.WE OUR CLOSE FREINDS OF HIS AND WE KNOW HOW MUCH TIME AND MONEY AND EFFOT INTO HIS RACING AND WHAT IS THE POINT HIM PAYING OUT ALL THAT MONEY TO BE TOLD IT'S OFF.IF THE PRICES WENT DOWN FOR ENTRING BIKRS TO RACE THERE WOULD BE A LARGER FIELD BUT UNTIL THE OFFICELS SEE THIS THERE WILL ONLY BE THE LARGEST TEAMS COMING BACK EVERY YEAR.

Kanemoto racing are pleased to announce that Gavin Bell will have the use of 2 of their 2000 spec TSR kitted 250 Hondas complete with works mechanics and instructions how to get past Quarter Bridge. Gavin has however insisted that he retains the right to ride his own 1994 TZ250 if he feels it is more competitive.

See <A HREF="http://www.rc30.freeserve.co.uk">www.rc30.freeserve.co.uk</A> for full details and pictures of recent testing at a secret location..

Kanemoto racing are pleased to announce that Gavin Bell will have the use of 2 of their 2000 spec TSR kitted 250 Hondas complete with works mechanics and instructions how to get past Quarter Bridge. Gavin has however insisted that he retains the right to ride his own 1994 TZ250 if he feels it is more competitive.

See <A HREF="http://www.rc30.freeserve.co.uk">www.rc30.freeserve.co.uk</A> for full details and pictures of recent testing at a secret location.