My riding career was as a sidecar rider over the period 1998-2006, came close but never secured the Club’s Sidecar Championship getting 3rd in ’05 and 2nd in ’06.
There was a period in my early racing career when having blown the third engine in the first half of the season that finances prevented further racing for a while. Rather than stay away and mope, I chose to help the Club out as an Official at race meetings working on the startline. Hence I got to know the majority of the officials and the then management of the Club, I actually found I really enjoyed the officials side of the sport too. To this day I still feel that every rider would benefit from doing a few meetings helping out as a marshal or official, it certainly develops your appreciation for all the volunteers that keep our sport running.
I was approached in early 2006 regarding the post of CEO of the Club as the position was to be vacated by the then incumbent who had decided to move on to other challenges. After considerable thought and an extensive review process I was privileged to be awarded the post and started formally in September 2006.
I say privileged as that’s how I see it. The chance to change your involvement in your hobby into your job would be seen by most people in the sport as a dream.
I turn 66 in 2024. When the weather’s Ok I ride around on a 1600GT.
My previous professional life spanned the advertising industry as a Client Service Director covering advertising and direct marketing and later as a co-owner of a Web Agency.