Hi,

Firstly, I'd like to distance myself from Ryan's point regarding reps, I think what he said is totally insensitive. I have prepared bikes for people who have gone on to win their first ever rep after years of trying and I know how much it means to them.

The main reason I like the top TT riders there is that I like it when they get beaten by the ordinary classic lads. In 2008 when I was helping Paul Coward, Ryan came in and commented on how Paul's bike was 'much' faster than his (3mph on sulby), this really made me laugh considering the advantage that Ryan enjoys when he rides the Paton in the senior (10mph+)!!!! I still say that if Ryan was SO much better he should be able to win the Junior especially considering the spec of the Honda he rides.

Also as I have stated in the past the classic manx is the premier road race event for classic bikes, it is more comparable to the TT of the period than the MGP of ther period and in my opinion that is what we should be trying to recreate. The TT lap record was 111mph in the period so the times being achieved now really aren't all that suprising, the course is a hell of a lot faster now than it was in 1967!

How about having a 'Classic TT course license' where in order to compete you have to have competed in 6 race meetings on a classic bike, in the previous 12 months. This would rule out the TT riders who don't support classic racing all season. Or a rule to that effect. Basically you have to show evidence that you support classic racing in the UK or Ireland in more than 1 meeting.

If they split the manx as per CRMC rules the Paton would still be with the Manxes and Seeleys. However it would have to use drum brakes and internal oil pumps.