MAKING WAVES: ANSTEY AND DAYKIN
A terrific day at TT 2011. We went to Braddan to watch practice and when Bruce Anstey came past on his final lap of the session I remarked on how determined he looked.
Bruce Anstey. Photo: IOMTT.com
Around quarter of an hour later Chris Kinley announced that Bruce had clocked 131.431mph, bringing an eventful and often frustrating practice week to a fabulous conclusion. A lot of people around the paddock have commented on how happy and relaxed Bruce looks in the Padgett’s camp and he is bang in contention for a big-bike win. He may be in Ian Hutchinson’s former team but he is not on Hutchy’s bikes. I spoke to team boss Clive Padgett today and he confirmed that all Bruce’s bikes are new this year. He also said he began talks with Bruce before Hutchy moved to Shaun Muir’s Yamaha squad, and he would have run both Bruce and Hutchy if Hutchy hadn’t moved on.
Robin Daykin. Photo: CL
At the other end of the paddock, geographically and in other ways, I met up with Robin Daykin, at 74 arguably the most remarkable character at TT 2011. Robin and his wife Annette, 60, have entered the Sidecar TT. At the time of writing it isn’t clear if they have qualified for the race but I hope they have. Robin broke his neck two years in a crash at the Ton Fanau course in North Wales.. He had also been diagnosed with cancer, which he seems to be dealing with incredibly well. It certainly hasn’t diminished his zest for life. “When you get older you’ve got to get your priorities right,” he told me. “You’ve done your bit for your country, paid your taxes, been in the forces; you’ve done your bit for your family, and if anyone thinks you should then call it a day, that’s ridiculous.”
Robin last competed on the Mountain Course in the Manx Grand Prix on a solo in 1957. Since then he’s continued to compete elsewhere, switching to sidecars in 2004. He bought his current outfit two years ago from fellow TT driver Wayne Lockey. Not that racing has been the whole of Robin’s life. Far from it. “By trade I’m an electrical engineer but over the years I done everything from selling bibles on the doorstep to running a croft.” He also became a dad for the first time at the age of 50.
I asked what had given him most pleasure in this incredibly varied life, outside family events. “Catching my first salmon – it was 14 lbs, on the River Esk in Yorkshire. Equalling the lap record at Ton Fanau last year. And getting third in the Czech Classic Championship.”
Robin comes from Keighley but has lived for many years in Turiff, Aberdeenshire, meaning any trip to the races is a major expedition. “The best quote I’ve ever come across,” he said, “was this: ‘Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional.’ That will do for me!”
Some other bits of info. Roy Richardson is promising to wear his Ian Holloway helmet in the TT Zero and the Manx GP before auctioning it for charity. Ian Pattinson was docked a time penalty for speeding in pitlane last year despite having a limiter; this year, no limiter and he’ll keep his eyes on the speedo. The Radio TT OB team will go on air at 11am tomorrow for what promises to be a very exciting day, one in which I can’t see either the race or outright lap record surviving when Anstey and McGuinness are in such great form and Guy Martin has also just topped 130mph for the first time.
me jo and the kids watched the you tube video of u both the other night and jo had tears in her eyes watchin it,i think i speak for everyone here that u both are a credit to the sport,u and robin have been through alot but yet everytime ur around a paddock uv always got a smile on your faces,i was made up for u when u finished that race,roll on 2012 
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, such a pity as I am sure it would be well received.........even if Team Past It's bit is reduced to a few minutes.
. If so then the film might be available in the UK after all in certain specialist shops 
, I wonder what they actually sell in those places 
, whilst Team Pastit had a wardrobe malfunction 
!