What current racer inspires you most?

[White trash]

Let's talk local riders or someone you know or interact with. I mean, we all wanna rdie like Rossi but it pays to have acheivable short term goals.

For me it was Shaun Harris and Lance Lowe. Opposite ends of the spectrum but with each their own merrits.

Shaun, on the back of his 600cc Sports Production title I was impressed by the determination. Also wickedly apparent in his TT rides.

Lance, for his never ceasing showmanship and crowd pleasing antics. Wanted to be just like him.

Unfortunately retirement and inhave kept both out of competitive riding for the time being.

So right now I reckon Craig Shirriffs is the man I can learn most from. FIERCE competitor, but a nice down to earth bloke with advise to share if you're humble enough to ask.

So who do you reckon is the rider you're hoping to battle with soon and rise to their level?

[jimbo600]

Without sounding too gay I'd put the people's hero forward.

But yeah Sheriffs is up there. Had a good yarn to Aaron Slight a while back too and found him to be a right good Gareth Hunt.

[Quasievil]

i Just want to be like Whitetrtash...............hes my hero





BWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH:crazy:

[White trash]

Without sounding too gay I'd put the people's hero forward.

But yeah Sheriffs is up there. Had a good yarn to Aaron Slight a while back too and found him to be a right good Gareth Hunt.
The Peoples Hero's retired son. As has Slight.

[White trash]

i Just want to be like Whitetrtash...............hes my hero





BWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH:crazy:
Fucken commedian right here folks!

[FROSTY]

No question. Our Mate Glen Williams.
Why?
1)He made an inteligent aproach to the F3 title and his aproach worked.
By that I mean First he went out and did a season on an older SV to get familiar with how they go and what he needed
He did his research into what works inside the engine and what doesnt.
He enlisted and was prepared to work with the experts in the specific area he needed
2) He's a man of his word
3)Genuinely nice guy
4)He's "out there" all the time with us plebs never reluctant to share his experience.

[enigma51]

i Just want to be like Whitetrtash...............hes my hero





BWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH:crazy:

Bastard thats my pick


One day when i grow old i wanna ride like trashie but be as sexy as sixpack

[Shaun]

Thanks Dude

For me, it really is any one that puts a set of leathers on, and starts a race:clap: Bloody hero;s every one of them.

(HONESTLY SAM SMITH)

Agree RE Craig Shirrif and just asking him, am sure he is there for the good of the sport as well as his buzz facture

There are actually so many younger riders coming through at the moment, that I would find it hard and probally unfare to name names, but we have a good bunch coming on

[White trash]

Thanks Dude

For me, it really is any one that puts a set of leathers on, and starts a race:clap: Bloody hero;s every one of them.

(HONESTLY SAM SMITH)

Agree RE Craig Shirrif and just asking him, am sure he is there for the good of the sport as well as his buzz facture

There are actually so many younger riders coming through at the moment, that I would find it hard and probally unfare to name names, but we have a good bunch coming on
Agree totaly on the younger riders thing. There's so many getting into it now that in five years, maybe alot less thanks to Sam, lil' ol New Zealand's gonna be back on top of the world stage in road racing.

Been along time coming.

[FROSTY]

My vote--Lets get kids Minimoto road racing going--grab some of that MX action

[Skunk]

I look up to all of those that get on with racing to the best of their ability.


:sick:

[codgyoleracer]

The problem with the question is that there are so many good buggers in bike racing - it just seems to attract them like a plauge. And when i say good buggers i mean almost all of em are generouse to a fault, mad as a hatter on a bike, will call a spade a spade, enjoy a joke (& can laugh at themselves), think racing motorcycles is a perfectly normal sport, (when jo-blo public think that even owing a bike is nuts) etc etc ......., For these reasons it a very enjoyable & hard sport to give up.
On top of that - there is a bunch of other people that surround the sport , that are just as enjoyable to have/be around.
Sorry Jimmy , I cant place my finger on any indivdual & am gonna site fairly & squarley on the fence. :-)
GlenW

[Goblin]

For me, it really is any one that puts a set of leathers on, and starts a race:clap: Bloody hero;s every one of them.
Agreed!

There's a few from here that I enjoy seeing their progress and feel their pain when things go wrong.
Young Avalon Biddle inspires me despite being born into it. Hope she keeps on improving like she has. Gutsy lil lady.:headbang:

[White trash]

The problem with the question is that there are so many good buggers in bike racing - it just seems to attract them like a plauge. And when i say good buggers i mean almost all of em are generouse to a fault, mad as a hatter on a bike, will call a spade a spade, enjoy a joke (& can laugh at themselves), think racing motorcycles is a perfectly normal sport, (when jo-blo public think that even owing a bike is nuts) etc etc ......., For these reasons it a very enjoyable & hard sport to give up.
On top of that - there is a bunch of other people that surround the sport , that are just as enjoyable to have/be around.
Sorry Jimmy , I cant place my finger on any indivdual & am gonna site fairly & squarley on the fence. :-)
GlenW
Probably a little dificult for you Glen, seeing as you're sitting firmly at the top of your chosen class. I know what you mean, they're all a bunch of good bastards.

But who do you set within your sights when you're looking for someone to help step up your game?

[codgyoleracer]

Probably a little dificult for you Glen, seeing as you're sitting firmly at the top of your chosen class. I know what you mean, they're all a bunch of good bastards.

But who do you set within your sights when you're looking for someone to help step up your game?

Anyone thats got the cheek to be faster than me .......:-), (which is a lot)

[Joni]

For me, for what it’s worth, it’s Dave Annan with my partner Kickaha a close second. For me, they are what sidecar racing is about.

Dave works so hard behind the scenes to support so many outfits and get them out there racing.... he never bitches or moans, he just plugs on and does what it takes to ensure the sport keeps growing.

Kickaha has helped and supported so many people to get them started in racing (bikes and chairs)... without him many people would not be racing as they are now.

Edit: and in bikes it would be Dom Jones!

[scracha]

Well Goblin got me interested in it and I'm secretly in awe of Tom when he manages to keep it rubber side down.

[ajturbo]

I look up to all of those that get on with racing to the best of their ability.


:sick:
thanks... I'M finally recognized!!

but everyone here that is mentioned has helped me in some way, weather they know it or not!! (most of them not)

[Ivan]

Now I have few not just one.

Like Shaun he is one he still carrys on in there even tho he is not racing now, his help to all young riders he helps is great it means alot.

Jay Lawrence is one of my all time favs, Since my very first Bucket race back in 2003 I have had alot of Respect for him he taught me how to hang off the bike and got me into 125 GP racing

Craig is also one of my Favs Nice as guy and extremly fast rider.

theres also many more,

But pretty much my respect goes to anyone out there how fast they are, the thing is they are out there giving it there best go and thats whats great to see

[speedracerjimmy]

johnny hepburn...He was a hard charger.I remember watching him ride way before i started.he used to always wheelie the back straight at the end of a race.He also helped me out a couple of seasons ago big time..he is one guy that is in it for the sport as well.

guys like shaun harris.craig sheriffs,dennis charlett.they where the top guys when i started.so i looked up to them as well

[GSVR]

Ginger Molloy. And he's still racing as far as I know.

[skidMark]

Let's talk local riders or someone you know or interact with. I mean, we all wanna rdie like Rossi but it pays to have acheivable short term goals.

For me it was Shaun Harris and Lance Lowe. Opposite ends of the spectrum but with each their own merrits.

Shaun, on the back of his 600cc Sports Production title I was impressed by the determination. Also wickedly apparent in his TT rides.

Lance, for his never ceasing showmanship and crowd pleasing antics. Wanted to be just like him.

Unfortunately retirement and inhave kept both out of competitive riding for the time being.

So right now I reckon Craig Shirriffs is the man I can learn most from. FIERCE competitor, but a nice down to earth bloke with advise to share if you're humble enough to ask.

So who do you reckon is the rider you're hoping to battle with soon and rise to their level?


Me cus i iz fastor den all of youse au!

(the flying ginger, aka glen williams in reality) he rides a suzuki at the moment though...

...then again who doesn't....

**mutters something about gixxers being like tampons**

every cunt has one.

Then again he rides an SV, so hes forgiven, at least it's a v twin...

[DEATH_INC.]

For me woulda been Simon Crafar in his SBK days.
Nowadays there's this local skinny little bloke that could teach me a thing or two I reckon....:niceone:

[koba]

I'm with Glen on this one, firmly on the fence.

I think the thing that has inspired me most is that while there are stars and standout performers EVERY motorcycle racer I have met seems to be in it for a geniune love of the sport and fellow compeditors, so for me it is the social dynamic of hundreds of good bastards showing up on the same day to have a good fang that is so inspiring.

Keep it up Ladies and Gentlemen!

[svr]

After watching John Kocinski at Daytona and Wayne Rainey at Laguna in '89 I took up racing. They were clearly the fastest road racers around. It was `inspiring' to see motorcycles ridden that fast - you say, ok thats the physical limits, that is the benchmark.
The problem is that, at the world level, it is very difficult for someone who is the best at what they do to be (remain) an admirable human being. Are you inspired by the racer or the person? Carl Fogarty or nice guy Aaron
Slight?
This is gonna be unpopular but if you're looking for inspirational human beings you might want to look elsewhere - plenty of people devote their lives to selfless causes and lets face it, racing a motorbike is pretty much the most selfish thing you can do...

The good thing about nz rr ing is the lack of celebrity - Our best are still of the people i.e. one of us. The Craig Sherriffs etc have all done it tough and know that bike racing is intrinsically humbling, they know that one mistake and someone else might be wiping their arse for 2 months.

Oh, so Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Dovisio - 3 Kocinski's in one era, bring on the next 5 yrs.
And the fastest Road Racer in the world - Bruce Anstey (I have a piece of broken fairing with his tyre mark in my shed - what am I bid?)

[Hinny]

Oh, so Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Dovisio - 3 Kocinski's in one era, bring on the next 5 yrs.
What a bummer for each of them that there is so much talent around at the same time.
I'm picking Pedrosa to take the title as he has been there long enough to know that consistency wins titles and to win you have to finish.
The championship is really so open tho' as there are so many riders still that could take the title.

[carver]

Rossi (still) Evil Knevil, Steve McQueen, and barry sheene.

racing is best done on public roads though

[svr]

What a bummer for each of them that there is so much talent around at the same time.


There will be more and more riding talent appearing at the world level now that there is so much corporate money there. More mainstream, more talent, less admirable people, like any other sport?

[Goblin]

Let's talk local riders or someone you know or interact with...


So who do you reckon is the rider you're hoping to battle with soon and rise to their level?



What a bummer for each of them that there is so much talent around at the same time.
I'm picking Pedrosa to take the title as he has been there long enough to know that consistency wins titles and to win you have to finish.
The championship is really so open tho' as there are so many riders still that could take the title. :shit: You know Danny well then? You really hope to battle with him and rise to his level?

[Coyote]

Sketchy Racer :lol:

I think getting to his level is possible. He's only been riding a bit longer than me, and soon I'll have the money to keep myself racing

[cowpoos]

I reckon Nick Cole a goer...he amazes me at times...with the whole bumble bee physic's thing going on!!! he makes alot of people have no excuses!! Owns a ghey car though!

Bruce Anstey...what a rider!! What a Dude!! and what a rider!!

Josh Coppins...talented lil bugger!! fast as a fast thing!! and a Dude aswell!!

[svr]

the whole bumble bee physic's thing going on!!!



Explain this? I missed that class at school. How many seconds a lap does applied bumblebee physics save??

[ElCoyote]

For me woulda been Simon Crafar in his SBK days.

Agreed plus Keith Turner, Stu Avant, Trevor Discombe, Jason McEwen, Robert Holden, Geoff Perry plus many more. This doesn't answer the question but..............they were all role models and shaped New Zealand motorcycling.

[svr]

Bruce Anstey...what a rider!! What a Dude!! and what a rider!!



And just the one testicle too. Was fucken hard to beat with the full complement!

[flame]

So many great people on the track, many are inspiring to me. But Mr G. Williams gets my vote for current local racer. He's totally talented, and always shares a word of encouragement to those that are out there just trying their best.

[cowpoos]

Explain this? I missed that class at school. How many seconds a lap does applied bumblebee physics save??
I think you need a lift plus!

[svr]

I think you need a lift plus!

Well past that. Am now stacking the pink pills on the red pills on the wild turkey, and you know what that means.

[Quasievil]

Andrew Stroud, for me actually.
I have always been fasinated by the BRITTEN story when Andrew took the britten to the big boys and kicked there arses, additionally to that Im inspired that he is still at the top of his game I like the intensity of his racing and his attitude to it all, and having the guy in my house drinking a beer was cool.

[arj127]

No question. Our Mate Glen Williams.
Why?
1)He made an inteligent aproach to the F3 title and his aproach worked.
By that I mean First he went out and did a season on an older SV to get familiar with how they go and what he needed
He did his research into what works inside the engine and what doesnt.
He enlisted and was prepared to work with the experts in the specific area he needed
2) He's a man of his word
3)Genuinely nice guy
4)He's "out there" all the time with us plebs never reluctant to share his experience.

isn't he the dude i remember watching years ago on a 125 2 smoke lapping Puke at 58?seconds? Must be hard doing puke in 108 now

[arj127]

Brad Groombridge is my current favorite. Luke Temple is not far behind

[Hinny]

Andrew Stroud, for me actually.
I have always been fasinated by the BRITTEN story when Andrew took the britten to the big boys and kicked there arses,

I loved that bit in the Britten film when Stroud pulled alongside the leading Ducati and then popped a wheelie. Stickin' it to the big boys.
The joy and excitement that John Britten demonstrated was superb. Inspirational, a joy to behold.

[skidMark]

I'm with Glen on this one, firmly on the fence.

I think the thing that has inspired me most is that while there are stars and standout performers EVERY motorcycle racer I have met seems to be in it for a geniune love of the sport and fellow compeditors, so for me it is the social dynamic of hundreds of good bastards showing up on the same day to have a good fang that is so inspiring.

Keep it up Ladies and Gentlemen!

Another reason for glen winning it for me was me at taupo trackday...

..."hey glen can ya show me a race line around taupo"

"sure mate"

**proceeds to do 3 laps following glen williams**

:D

good bastard.:yes:

[Mort]

well I'm a new kiwi so I don't know much about local racers.... But that Pass Andrew Stroud did on the brakes at Puke the other week I saw on TV is the stuff of heros.

Other Heros :

Rossi (obv)
Joey Dunlop - I was a massive fan for years
Mick Doohan
Schwantz
Sheene
Ron Haslam
Leon Camier - soooo much talent there
Troy Bayliss - megastar. Great rider - Great attitude.
Carl Fogarty - hes a twat but no one has even got near him in WSB yet
Chris Walker
Steve Hislop

... ok I'll shut up now:apint:

[yod]

I just love the bit in "Faster" where the interviewer says to Loris;

"...thats over 200 miles an hour..."

and Loris goes;

"si, si, 200 miles an hour....is good, no?"

fooking mint

:rockon:

[CHOPPA]

GOBERT! na not really, actually theres a few guys in the 600 class that are faster then me but i dont look up to them i just want to beat them but i have respect for them, wont mention names though but also some other guys like that i havnt really raced is sam s and james s both a couple of superfast riders that have had some positive things to say! also shaun harris has offered alot of advice and had some really motivating things to say.

In my experience if the person you look up to is maybe a distant but possible target be carefull not to put them on a pedestal cause that mental advantage can cause havic if you get to that level

[cowpoos]

Andrew Stroud, for me actually.
I have always been fasinated by the BRITTEN story when Andrew took the britten to the big boys and kicked there arses, .


I loved that bit in the Britten film when Stroud pulled alongside the leading Ducati and then popped a wheelie. Stickin' it to the big boys.
.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6DLeXwW67E&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6DLeXwW67E&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Like that?????????

[DUCATI*HARD]

i have a good freind i consider to be a" REAL BIKER"as he eats,sleeps,shits and breaths bikes,always feistering in the shed with bikes,bikes are his life,(mine too)he currently owns 2x 1098s,one tri colour,,,and is awaitng the desmo RR:devil2:,and an array off motorX bikes,coming from a motor cross background he rides like a bat out off hell,and can handle his own,he does all his own maintenence,and has learnt from a very young age,always dailing and tuning in his suspension to get the very best performance out off his bikes,always has to have the best off everything,weather its motorcycles too motorcylcle clothing,to upgarded parts, he always has the best,and he never fails to amaze me:rolleyes:,he used to compete against the king brothers back in the day(and used to blow them away)he also knows Sam Smith personally(so do i),and has probably given him tips to help out his riding form somewhere along the line,,,pitty i cant say his name,,,hed kill me if i did:spanking:anyway like the man sez,,,RIDE HARD,RIDE SAFE,RIDE ON!!!and his last but not least famous words are,,,ILL SEE YOU IN HELL:devil2:

[Hinny]

<object height="355" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6DLeXwW67E&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object>

Like that?????????

Exactly like that.
My video is long ago worn out and it was so cool to see that again. Thanks a lot.

[Goblin]

Like that?????????Good shot Poos. :banana: What a man....what a machine!!
Got a wee bit emotional watching that.

[Tony.OK]

The guy that inspires me is the one who knowingly goes out time after time not expecting to do well but is more than happy to 'BE THERE' just to have fun.
Probably not a true racer spirit but I wish I was more like that,I'd certainly not be as broke as I am at the moment.:blink:

[boostin]

One that I have not seen listed here is Dom Jones.

While I only know his story from what is posted on Kiwibiker, anyone who flys to the US, buys a van and a bike, then proceeds to drive 1000's of KM's to get to any races he can, and still stick it to some of the big guys gets my respect.

Really does make the 'long' trip to Taupo seem insignificant.

[Shaun]

One that I have not seen listed here is Dom Jones.

While I only know his story from what is posted on Kiwibiker, anyone who flys to the US, buys a van and a bike, then proceeds to drive 1000's of KM's to get to any races he can, and still stick it to some of the big guys gets my respect.

Really does make the 'long' trip to Taupo seem insignificant.



Joni Voted for Dom. He definately has the focus and commitment, even if things are not going as they were supposed to be at the moment for him and his racing

[NC]

I admire Jimmy, Drew, Viki, Dean, Clint and Eric.
Cause they do stuff that I can't even try to do on a bike :cool:

[Matt Bleck]

It's hard to pick just one aye....

Bruce Anstey!!!!! Some of those track's in the Irish Road Racing look like drive ways!! Death truley is a heart beat away!

Shaun! Got to be hard getting back on a bike after face planting at 200+! much respect!! :not:

And all you lot doing it the hard way.

[Drew]

I cant really give one name. There are quite a few riders I admire for many reasons.

I know who I am threatened by the most, and want to beat, but that's a different thing.

Sloan Frost, and Jhonny Burkhart (sp?) would be close to the top of my list. Both taking to this road racing game like they were born on bikes. Gutting and admirable all at once.

[carver]

I reckon Nick Cole a goer...he amazes me at times...with the whole bumble bee physic's thing going on!!! he makes alot of people have no excuses!! Owns a ghey car though!

Bruce Anstey...what a rider!! What a Dude!! and what a rider!!

Josh Coppins...talented lil bugger!! fast as a fast thing!! and a Dude aswell!!

yeah, i know nick, went to school with him!
i hope he goes far in racing!

[lostinflyz]

gotta say that Eric de Boar (or however u spell it) is the man. alotta people say u gota ride an SV to even compete in F3 but he does a good good on a old bike (ok its got a bit on it but at least its not an SV). not to mention everytime ive ever seen him finish he is just the most stoked feller ive ever seen and in terms of inspiration its bloody cool to see someone just enjoy the living shit out of riding.

[Number One]

Valentino is the man and the fact that he has been so dominant for so long and given some of the stuff you learn about him in his autobiography I think he really is as cool as I thought he was.

I'm also inspired by Sully60 :love: whose patience and input is much appreciated and watching his butt swing off the side of the bikes is kewl too.

From there it's a hotch potch of everyone I know who races and well looks damn fine doing it I might add....

Fi5hy - have you seen the pics of this man in action?! Also Vicki and Drew, it must be soo kewl to share this passion together. Deano - you no slouch MR! Jimmy, Jay, Glenn...fark the list just goes on and on. Musn't forget Mrs & Mr Kendog - who continue to buy up unloved machines left right and centre. Str8 and Koba who are just lovely and my main competitors I think. Slingshot - who gets his knee down on Frankie and makes for cool well colour co-ordinted pics.

Fark well actually I think anyone that can ride better than me (most everyone!) is inspirational....as it is just watching how others can have absolute (well mostly anyway) control over their machine - it all just makes me want to do what I do better.

:sunny:

[Foxzee]

Binty Wintle is my hero:) and not just racing!

[Kickaha]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=13992

He took up Sidecar racing after he hit his 60th birthday and starts collecting the pension soon, but after travelling to Wanganui to watch for years went up and competed both there and Paeroa as well as doing National rounds

He's currently rebuilding one of his outfits with a K5 GSXR1000 so he can pick up the pace a bit:laugh:

I can only hope I'm still actively racing when i hit that age

[Joni]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=13992

He took up Sidecar racing after he hit his 60th birthday and starts collecting the pension soon, but after travelling to Wanganui to watch for years went up and competed both there and Paeroa as well as doing National rounds

He's currently rebuilding one of his outfits with a K5 GSXR1000 so he can pick up the pace a bit:laugh:

I can only hope I'm still actively racing when i hit that ageHe does not only insire me from a racing point of view!

Alex inspires me in every way... You are never too old to do anything!

He was 65 when he bought his first sports bike... love seeing him out and about on a brand new R1.

And what nice man... I smile everytime I think of him. Kick I think we are very lucky to have him as a friend. :yes:

[scrivy]

He's currently rebuilding one of his outfits with a K5 GSXR1000 so he can pick up the pace a bit:laugh:

I can only hope I'm still actively racing when i hit that age

Racing??? Is that what you call that thing you do out on the track Kick??

[slowpoke]

To me it's as much about the persons personality as it is about their speed and I don't really know enough people personally to comment, BUT just wandering around the pits here are a few things that have impressed me:

1/ The Sales guys and that bloody XR500 mutant, there's not an ounce of pretention about the machine or crew yet they blow away the whole Post Classic and Motard fields. Sure it's obviously incredibly developed but the thing is just so understated and unlikely that it doesn't compute when you watch it.

2/ Watching Craig Shirriffs coming in after a crash at the Manfield Nationals round a couple of years ago, there were no histrionics, no gesticulations just quiet activity and calm voices as everyone pitched in to try and salvage the situation. It was bloody impressive to watch.

3/ The fast guys up that fuckin' Cliffhanger Hillclimb this year. Not just 'cos they were fast but because of the state of the road. I'm tipping in over the bumpy gravelly patched bits hearing the chips flicking up and every fibre of my body is saying "fuck this for a game of soldiers", whereas they've just ridden straight over the lot at amazing speed. Especially the 600's, as corner speed is the only way they are going to make time on the 1000's....it's amazing, if you've ever ridden the course.

4/ I haven't had a lot to do with any of them but seeing Aaron Slight, Sam Smith, Glenn Williams, Stroudy and Craig Shirriffs in the pits they all seem like genuinely nice blokes without any pretensions, despite all the tall poppy shit they must cop for being successful. I'd be rapt to sit down over a few beers with any of them....although Sam might have to show some ID first......

[Clivoris]

Great thread Trashman.
I have to agree with Codgely and others. I can't pick just one person. For me racing is the whole package and there have been so many club and national racers that have set examples of how to manage the many emotions of racing; freely given time, advice and parts; and shown me that anyone can give this a go.
Delboy was one of many who always give encouragement, but I see it everywhere and try to do it myself.

[Frenchy]

Would have to be Shaun Harris as i will always call Taranaki home, just wasn't sure why i wasn't as good as him!! I mean we were drinking the same water for years?? maybe he bought bottle water!! :confused:

[moT]

That asian guy on fast and furious

[roadracingoldfart]

If it comes down to a very broad catagory to get a vote then Paul Brigham has to be a contender.
he is fast and determind , safe yet forcfull and i have never seen him without a smile on his face , he loves it .

Hell the prick is such a good all round bastard he even bulldozed a big fat Kwaka of the track to save the marshalls a job at Taupo. and then sets the fastest lap of the race to catch all but a couple of them in 6 laps.

Other than him ill vote for Deano and Jarrod. Awesome riders with real good attitudes. even if the wankers both beat me last year

Paul.

[justsomeguy]

Hmm, from all guys I've met and know as people as well as racers/riders.

Shaun Harris for being such an unbelievably humble, helpful fella despite being "who he is". Anyone - anyone who enter the IOMTT has gotta be a hero, or mad, but to win it ?!?!?!....

Glen Williams who ego size is directly the opposite the level of his riding skills.

Tony Frost for still being out there doing what it takes (especially given his busy life helping others and looking after his kids/work/etc)

Andy (Death_Inc) for being such an "A" guy in every respect and all the help he's given those who needed it.

Dunno if he still races but Anthony Bradford for his attitude and personality.

That dirty, dirty, whitefella James Nair - for - well those of you who know him, know why.

What about old WINJA? remember him guys?

And last but not least I gotta mention Leong Goh, the study and effort that bloke puts into riding better is the only reason how someone with 2+ years experience can punt a bike around a track like that.

[Pussy]

The racer that's inspired me? Without a doubt.. Brian Bernard. IMHO, NO-ONE has a nicer style than Brian, and he's an A-grade good bastard to go with it :niceone:
I'm proud to call Brian my friend

[The Stranger]

And you say you hate popularity contests.

[Drew]

And you say you hate popularity contests.

I kept my trap shut when I first found the thread. Good job someone else picked up on this aswell.:clap:

[justsomeguy]

I kept my trap shut when I first found the thread. Good job someone else picked up on this aswell.:clap:

Aww you're just jealous cos I like Jimmy more.....:jerry:

[puddytat]

Nigel Curtis from Chch. Knew him when we were kids in Hastings.I remember him getting a XL125s & before long he was wheelstanding it for miles...A year or two later he had a bad crash & lost the use of an arm,& then I lost track of him....
About 20 years later I see him at Greymouth racing his KTM motard & doin damn well,since then Ive seen him race several times & he's always at the pointy end of the field.

[Clivoris]

Nigel Curtis from Chch.

Damn straight. I grew up in Hastings too and punted XR's around stunned by what Nigel and his bro David were building, riding and racing. Like you I lost touch until seeing Nigel racing one-handed at Wanganui.:gob:
Utter legend.

[Nicksta]

I have a few... real life inspirations that keep me going every race meet....
First, Bruce, LB... for intrducing me to the sport and getting me started, His passion oosed out every pore and got stuck on me :)
Shaun Harris... for helping me when i needed it and passing on knowledge... respect.
Wendy Harding (ducati in clubmans VMCC) Wendy is amazing, she goes out every race and has fun, is all smiles and is soo consistant, I appreciate talking to her every meet.
Vicki, Flame, Ever since bruce told me stories of your riding you have inspired me, now seeing you go hard on the track, your enthusiasm and skill inspires me every time i ride.
Lastly, each meet, I meet a new racer, someone who band new to the sport and its their first ever meet. The excitement, passion and pure enthusiasm I get from you all (TonyOK and Johan of late) boosts me and my racing. Very inspirational and i'm honoured to help you guys love our sport as much as me :)

[Drew]

Aww you're just jealous cos I like Jimmy more.....:jerry:

I dont like him at all, forced to love him cos he's family.

[wharfy]

Nigel Curtis from Chch. Knew him when we were kids in Hastings.I remember him getting a XL125s & before long he was wheelstanding it for miles...A year or two later he had a bad crash & lost the use of an arm,& then I lost track of him....
About 20 years later I see him at Greymouth racing his KTM motard & doin damn well,since then Ive seen him race several times & he's always at the pointy end of the field.

F&%K YEAH !!!!
I've never meet this guy but seen him race at Pearoa, Wangnui and Ruapuna.

[James Deuce]

Sebastien Loeb.

[Katman]

Dave works so hard behind the scenes to support so many outfits and get them out there racing.... he never bitches or moans, he just plugs on

It just doesn't bear thinking about. :eek5:

[Drew]

Sebastien Loeb.

Didn't know you were livin' on the WRC circuit this year Jim, hard to keep those boys "local" to yourself.

[James Deuce]

But when he is local he'll stop and talk to you if you wave him down in the street.

[driftn]

Can you vote for your self?

[Rossi Gal]

Hmm, what a question. Like alot of you have said, anyone who gets out and gives it their best through good and bad times are an insparation.

But a few I enjoy learning from are:

Shaun Harris. Right from day one on my lil 250 at track days through to the Nationals this year, he has been so generious in his support, knowlegde and inspiring words not to mention a lend of his bike.

Dennis Charlett. First time meeting him this year and I ran him off the track in a practice. But from then always had the time to advise when every I had a question.

Bryan Bernard. Again, another who has been a great help now I have taken up racing. Always had time for my questions.

But there are so many. But it's people like these, and all those that I share the track with that make me better. Without you there would be no racing. Noone to make you strive to want to do better, get faster etc.

So no real answer haha. Just everyone

[gixerracer]

To me it's as much about the persons personality as it is about their speed and I don't really know enough people personally to comment, BUT just wandering around the pits here are a few things that have impressed me:

1/ The Sales guys and that bloody XR500 mutant, there's not an ounce of pretention about the machine or crew yet they blow away the whole Post Classic and Motard fields. Sure it's obviously incredibly developed but the thing is just so understated and unlikely that it doesn't compute when you watch it.

2/ Watching Craig Shirriffs coming in after a crash at the Manfield Nationals round a couple of years ago, there were no histrionics, no gesticulations just quiet activity and calm voices as everyone pitched in to try and salvage the situation. It was bloody impressive to watch.

3/ The fast guys up that fuckin' Cliffhanger Hillclimb this year. Not just 'cos they were fast but because of the state of the road. I'm tipping in over the bumpy gravelly patched bits hearing the chips flicking up and every fibre of my body is saying "fuck this for a game of soldiers", whereas they've just ridden straight over the lot at amazing speed. Especially the 600's, as corner speed is the only way they are going to make time on the 1000's....it's amazing, if you've ever ridden the course.

4/ I haven't had a lot to do with any of them but seeing Aaron Slight, Sam Smith, Glenn Williams, Stroudy and Craig Shirriffs in the pits they all seem like genuinely nice blokes without any pretensions, despite all the tall poppy shit they must cop for being successful. I'd be rapt to sit down over a few beers with any of them....although Sam might have to show some ID first......
I really like beer alot you must come find me:beer:

[Drew]

I really like beer alot you must come find me:beer:

You gonna grace the pits (and track) this winter series then?

Some guy called Jamie McNaire wanted to school you.

[White trash]

You gonna grace the pits (and track) this winter series then?

Some guy called Jamie McNaire wanted to school you.
Hey! Be nice to my 2 hour team mate!And that Jamie McNair bloke can't stay on two wheels long enough to be a contender for any race anyway. Bit like his brother.......

[gixerracer]

You gonna grace the pits (and track) this winter series then?

Some guy called Jamie McNaire wanted to school you.

Nop I think im done with racing it would seem.
I think you ment spoon me a?

[Drew]

Nop I think im done with racing it would seem.
Say it aint so!
I think you ment spoon me a?Yeah, that too.

[Shaun]

Nop I think im done with racing it would seem.
I think you ment spoon me a?



Not if I can help it, and WANGANUI has a 600 class again this year, I have a bike for you for there dude, rape it if you will


PS, thanks to those who mentioned me:first:

[Shaun]

Hey! Be nice to my 2 hour team mate!And that Jamie McNair bloke can't stay on two wheels long enough to be a contender for any race anyway. Bit like his brother.......




I'll fight him for that role man

[Aragorn]

Dennis Charlett, helped me alot when I first started.
Shaun Harris, lots of advice and pointers were greatly appreciatted that helped me with riding.
Dom Jones, great mate and undying determination to succeed in this sport and to take it to another level.
Jason McEwen, easily approachable and was always willing to lend a hand or a friendly word of what to do

[GIXser]

Let's talk local riders or someone you know or interact with. I mean, we all wanna rdie like Rossi but it pays to have acheivable short term goals.

For me it was Shaun Harris and Lance Lowe. Opposite ends of the spectrum but with each their own merrits.

Shaun, on the back of his 600cc Sports Production title I was impressed by the determination. Also wickedly apparent in his TT rides.

Lance, for his never ceasing showmanship and crowd pleasing antics. Wanted to be just like him.

Unfortunately retirement and inhave kept both out of competitive riding for the time being.

So right now I reckon Craig Shirriffs is the man I can learn most from. FIERCE competitor, but a nice down to earth bloke with advise to share if you're humble enough to ask.

So who do you reckon is the rider you're hoping to battle with soon and rise to their level?

Archer ???!!!!!

seriously though... i still reckon "Strout da man, as is Graig S" these guys are in a league of their own, and both very humble about it. (talent and being humble often dont go together,) interesting enough i was out a puke this weekend v8s (slightly off topic i know) i find it facinating how different racing ie bikes and cars have such a different audience and following ......anyway im starting to ramble......:)

[driftn]

I still think its me.

[CHOPPA]

Where has Mr White Trash gone...? I heard he had hung up his boots but now he doest have time to talk shit on here anymore with the rest of us...? Hope thats not a sign of things to come as my miss's is due in a few months!!!:eek5:

[Rossi Gal]

Where has Mr White Trash gone...? I heard he had hung up his boots but now he doest have time to talk shit on here anymore with the rest of us...? Hope thats not a sign of things to come as my miss's is due in a few months!!!:eek5:


Wow!! Congrates to both of you!! thats awesome!

[wharfy]

Where has Mr White Trash gone...? I heard he had hung up his boots but now he doest have time to talk shit on here anymore with the rest of us...? Hope thats not a sign of things to come as my miss's is due in a few months!!!:eek5:

Sorry mate, you (and Mrs Choppa) are not going to get a proper nights sleep for the next two years, if everything goes OK from 2 - 12 is pretty good, then you only have to worry about the TEENAGE years and its back to not sleeping (drugs, booze, STD's, pregnancy, motor vehicle accidents etc. )

If you think a race bike is expensive to run try a teenager or two !!!!

BUT it is as close as you will get to immortality, they will inherit you genes and some of your values will rub off on them whether you (or they) like it or not.


Good work that man :) (and Mrs Choppa of course) :niceone:

[vtec]

Jay Lawrence inspires me. And Andrew Stroud.

[Duke girl]

There are a few riders who inspire me and they are Sir Glenn Williams, Craig Shirriffs and Moto Academy rider Glen Skachil who sure does know how to ride that 250 machine against the much bigger machines he races against in the Superbike class. He is also made of rubber as he has had a couple of nasty accidents but always seems to bounce back afterwards which is so great to see.

[Suzi Q]

For me there are lots of local riders who inspire me, but first I have to say Aaron Slight is a legend. John Lowther is an awesome man, he was my trainer at 2 training days well before I started racing and he has given me heaps of advice on the training days and is always willing to have a chat. For the local guys they are Buddha, Tygertung (love the way he hangs off a bike), Dangerous (never afraid to tell me what I am doing wrong), Bren, Rashika, li'l M, Stanko (had his worst crash in his own driveway), and last but not least Thunder (hubby) who has not discouraged me from giving it a go. Alos I am in awe of the young ones as they roar past me sparking their way round the corners, we have some awesome talent out there - Nick Cain, Andy Mac, the Hoogies, mudboy.

[slowpoke]

Hope thats not a sign of things to come as my miss's is due in a few months!!!:eek5:

WTF?? Are you a man or a mouse? Get your ass back out into the shed instead of the boudoir!!

Jaysus, here's me thinkin' you were a racer's racer and you're are suckin' up to those schemin', soul devouring feminine types who want nothing more than to rid you of your manhood! Ooops, hang on a minute, I can here my name being taken in vain....

Oh, er, looks like I've got some dishes to do so I better sign off now.....

[Goblin]

Flame!!! :wari::banana::headbang::love::hug:
What can one say?? Inspirational!:2thumbsup


+ Sketchy Racer. Cant wait to see how he goes on a bigger bike.:sunny:

[ArcherWC]

Archer ???!!!!!





you know it :yes::yes:

[CHOPPA]

WTF?? Are you a man or a mouse? Get your ass back out into the shed instead of the boudoir!!

Jaysus, here's me thinkin' you were a racer's racer and you're are suckin' up to those schemin', soul devouring feminine types who want nothing more than to rid you of your manhood! Ooops, hang on a minute, I can here my name being taken in vain....

Oh, er, looks like I've got some dishes to do so I better sign off now.....


haha its all good mate, she will be still there waiting with the stands and tyre warmers when shes about to burst!

[Bren_chch]

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6DLeXwW67E&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6DLeXwW67E&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Like that?????????

i farken love that part of the vid!!! :2thumbsup

[Biggles08]

In my experience if the person you look up to is maybe a distant but possible target be carefull not to put them on a pedestal cause that mental advantage can cause havic if you get to that level

Totally!!! I'm going to kick your arse next weekend Chop!!!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr:whistle:

[Shaun]

SKETCHY RACER


After what I saw him doing ( The first time I have actually watched him ride) At Manfeild yesterday in the POORING DOWN rain:2thumbsup