Best discussions for a long time..thanks, Russ.
I have always been an advocate of making the initial entry to TT or Manx as stiff as possible, and, in fact, the continuing qualification by racing elsewhere too. I really don't think anyone should race once a year, and that on the most demanding course in the world.I used to cover the Manx for papers here in Scotland, and there would be riders whose names meant nothing to me, claiming in the programme to be Scottish Champions etc (aye, right!)Clearly they had not been seriously checked, and some of them paid the price.
International licences should be hard to get, and have to be earned each year. Certainly qualification times should be realistic, and I like Russ's thoughts...can't argue with someone with his experience, and his reputation for encouraging and supporting newcomers.
However, every rider who qualifies in either TT or Manx is entitled to our respect, and I'm afraid Garry was not respectful in his personalisation of the argument, particularly in his RRR pieces. I think he is a great rider, both solo and sidecar, riding in my 2 favourite classes with a deal of success, but that doesn't entitle him to denigrate other competitors. Anita Buxton was great at the NW200. I know because I was there. I hope Garry gets his knee fixed, and his manners back soon!!