What current racer inspires you most?

[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

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

He 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.

[scrivy]

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

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!!

[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
I'm proud to call Brian my friend

[The Stranger:Me]

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.

[justsomeguy]

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

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

[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.
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