Splitlath Redmond - John talks TT - Printable Version +- TT Website Forum (https://www.ttwebsite.com/forums) +-- Forum: Isle of Man TT Website (https://www.ttwebsite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=3) +--- Forum: TT Related Posts (Only) (https://www.ttwebsite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=9) +--- Thread: Splitlath Redmond - John talks TT (/showthread.php?tid=15152)

Splitlath Redmond - John talks TT - Malcolm - 19-04-2013 Splitlath Redmond is not only competing in the 2013 Isle of Man TT with the fastest American around the island, Mark Miller, but this year we are bringing the ethnic-Chinese rider Wai On Cheung with us. Wai On will certainly be the fastest Chinese rider around the island if only because he will be the first! Team owner, bike enthusiast, pit crew man and sometimes delivery man John Dimbylow took some time out with us to explain his love of the island, his rider line up for this year and lots more besides! John, this event marks the beginning of your third IOM event and it has been a difficult and emotional few years for the team. What brings you back to the island this year? Because we love it! It is such a great place, the event is nothing like your typical motorcycle race. It is not so hectic; it is much more laid back, and the atmosphere is great. For us it is simply the greatest event. The Isle of Man TT is a phenomenon. Why does it endure the annual call for it to be cancelled? There are always people on about banning something but this is an expression of the human spirit; of endeavor like mountaineering for example. It is about people pushing themselves but we all know the risks and none of us would want it stopped. Talk of cancelling it is not something we, as a team, pay any attention to in our preparations. For 2013 you have a very international pair of riders who are sourced from virtually opposite ends of the earth. What do you look for in a rider wanting to compete in the IOM TT? The main quality or attribute we look for in a rider is a willingness, an ability, to push themselves without being too crazy. We have to accept that this is entertainment for the public, so our riders have to be outgoing and to pay attention to the public. We also need them to be steady, to know their capabilities and then to work within them. Mark Miller is no stranger here. From zero emission machines to Superbikes the American has ridden almost everything. What does he bring to the team and why do you keep bringing him back? Basically he has a very pretty girlfriend! Seriously, Mark is a really proven contender who always gives 100%. He is always focused on his responsibilities and a real team player who is also fun - that makes him fantastic to work with. Wai On is less well known to fans of the TT. What qualities does he bring to this sought after ride? Wai On is just so focused, the lad is a dream. Everything he does is done 100%. He is so switched on, a real pro and we are going to really enjoy working with him. Wai On is here for a while familiarising himself with the island. What do you think is the secret to a successful race here and what will be the most important piece of advice you give him? Familiarity with the roads. Simple as that. And to ride within your limits - that is the most important thing to remember, more so here than anywhere else. At the TT your team must function as a unit. How do you and Derek bind all the parts together? How does Derek, an Olympic athlete and motivational speaker, contribute to this togetherness? Derek brings beer. Basically we just have fun together, which rubs off on the team. That really is the key element because when people are having fun then everyone works better. We do all work together as a unit and no one person is more important than another. What Derek actually brings to the team, and it is something so important at a long event like the TT, is his experience in mental preparation. We can forget that these riders are sportsmen and women, and they need the same mental approach as any other athlete. Derek educates and works with the riders in this area particularly. Has the withdrawal from the British Superbike Championship helped your preparation for the TT campaign? Doubtless it has because normally there is so much to think about, especially with logistics – the racing calendar for the two events makes it hard for teams to do both perhaps as well as they would like to. So sure, it has meant a much more thorough and relaxed preparation this year. If there is no BSB championship entry planned so far does this mean your racing effort is reducing this year? Or are new paths being taken? No no far from it - we are stepping our programme up. Aside from this (the TT) we are competing at the Bol d'Or in France, Oschersleben and Le Mans 24hr, possibly Suzuka and Macau! Splitlath Redmond moving on to the international stage. As for what is new? We are constantly pioneering in lots of areas, for example in Suzuka we are hoping to run a 3 girl team to expand the our demographic. Thank you John, let's leave it there and talk more from the Island. Interview dated April 2013. .