A new accolade to highlight the sportsmanship of Manx Grand Prix riders
has been won by pukka race bike enthusiast Brian Spooner. Down- to- earth
Brian, 47, of Stoke-on-Trent, is known to friends as the 'Scone Ranger' and is one of the true characters in the paddock. The Riders’ Association decided to come up with the Spirit of the Manx award to try and attract current riders to its functions and to reward qualities such as sportsmanship and commitment as opposed to race wins. Brian, who has
been a racer for 28 years and has competed at the Manx since 1994, was
nominated by his good friend Russ Henley, winner of the 1996 Lightweight
Manx Grand Prix. Last year Brian was second in the Lightweight race and is riding an ex-Jay Vincent Yamaha 250cc which has competed in a number of races in the world 250 championship class at MotoGP rounds. When Brian, who is involved with the Two Stroke Supporters Club, heard he was to receive the award he said:’I was gobsmacked.’ Brian – whose nickname was given to him during a night out with well-known team boss Martin Bullock at Colours, Douglas – raised £731 last year for the Manx Grand Prix helicopter fund by having his head shaved. He is quick to acknowledge everyone who has helped him out including Russ and his mechanic Steve Clements, known as Clem. Brian will be presented with the trophy on Sunday (August 28) at about 1.30pm in the beer tent behind the TT Grandstand. If you would like details of how to join the Riders’ Association mail chairman Jim Hunter at j.d.hunter@snhs.sch.im