Phil Windrum Wrote:Hilary, I'm glad you didn't see yourself in the elderly category anyway!!!
As an aside I was looking thru an old autograph book the other night. Low and behold I have your autograph (on the same page as Trev Nation, Neil Tuxworth and Chas Mortimer). Got it in the Dundrod paddock and for a small fee I will not even mention what year it was- obviously I was just a wee boy at the time

Phil,I have to admit that it was 1983.Shame I didn't beat Neil as I might have got a works ride
Tomcat's views are brilliantly thought out and I wish he was employed by the ACU as they really need some sensible people working for them.Of course,that brings me,once again,to the TT course licence,as pointed out by Tom Loughridge.Nobody with half a brain can expect 6 race meetings round Mallory Park or similar short circuit,to prepare you for the TT course.It is a pathetic,knee jerk reaction to hopefully let the insurance companies and the public think that something is being done to implement safety measures.The ACU will never admit it is totally useless.Many people posted messages on their website,when it was introduced,and because they did not like all the abuse and derogatory comments,they pulled the plug on the message board.In other words they wanted it swept under the carpet and forgotten about.
Tomcat pointed out the lack of practice nowadays,which is so true.Not everyone liked early mornings,but it was there to use,so there was no excuse for not learning the course or gaining the required amount of laps.The faster laps could be gained in the evening.Of course there was the downside,the extra pressure on marshals,and the disruption to daily life,but today's schedules do put too much pressure on riders.
I do believe that some travel concessions for marshals who come across,would be most helpful and encouraging for them,and for the locals,maybe the same for when they wish to leave the island,for their holidays.
The TT replica system really needs to be overhauled,as the Witch said,as it is extremely discouraging,especially at the MGP,when a really fast rider is so far ahead that nobody else stands a chance.Unfortunately,not everyone is so talented,and it means a great deal to win a replica.
DClucie has some really good points too,and I can understand his way of thinking.
Wouldn't it be great if some of these posters were employed to assist with the TT and MGP,maybe the lack of communication would not exist again.Our will hopefully gain the attention of somebody,but there again !!!