It has been a mixed 2011 for Midhurst motorcycle ace Mark Parrett.

Following a successful result at the Manx GP in August on the Isle of Man, where he had a win in the Formula Classic Race, Parrett had disappointment at the Goodwood Revival in September.

The bike he was due to compete on blew up the day before his event and it looked unlikely he would be able to race over the weekend.

Parrett was taking part in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy race, a two-part and two-rider challenge on a motorcycle between 350 and 500cc and of a type that raced between 1960 and 1966. Luckily, thanks to fellow competitor Dennis Bunning, the team were able to borrow another bike – a Norton G50.

Parrett’s partner started the race on the Saturday on the borrowed machine but was taken out when another rider crashed in front of him.

The damage meant it looked like Parrett would not get to ride at the Revival at all this year, but with a huge amount of effort, and some specialist welding by Jeff Muston, they rebuilt the bike in time for the second race on Sunday. Unfortunately the rain arrived so conditions could have been better, but at last Parrett was out on the bike.

As they were racing an even older machine, they could not push it 100 per cent, but in 14 minutes before swapping with his partner Parrett got up to tenth place from 19th and they finished a very respectable 18th overall, a great result given all the problems.

Next year Parrett plans to compete in all the major international road races. The first is in May in the north-west of Ireland, followed by the fantastic TT fortnight on the Isle of Man.

If he could get a sponsor he would love to race a super-twin machine in the new Lightweight TT race being introduced for the first time in 2012.

He’d also like to do the Lansdowne Classic series and welcomes any sponsorship opportunities that may help him achieve that.


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