North West 200

This came about from sitting in the race truck of Marshall Neill and his team at the tale end of 2007 watching a cult film called “The Real Roadracers” made in 1977. The film followed the exploits of Joey Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy known collectively at the time as the Armoy Armada (The Armoy Armada also included Joey’s brother, Jim – although he was not featured in the film).

Watching this film which showed these men and their dedication to the sport whilst competing at the North West 200 triggered Graham’s determination to ride at the following year’s event. The 4.5 mile circuit hosts Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting event with 120,000 spectators attending. On Tuesday evening, the public roads are closed and the circuit laid out for the competitors (the whole circuit is run on public roads). The practice sessions for the races are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and the races are held on Saturday.

Being a newcomer to the event, prior to being allowed on the circuit, Graham had to attend not only the competitors briefing but also the newcomers briefing. This is followed by being taken on a lap of the circuit and given guidance by previous winner, Philip McCallen. In these briefings, competitors are asked to take it steady, but most of all enjoy it and return the following year. Taking it steady saw Graham pass through the speed trap of the country lane part of the circuit at 180mph, and complete a lap at an average speed of 111mph.

• BSB Races

• Brands Hatch GP
• Thruxton
• Oulton Park
• Snetterton
• Donington Park
• Silverstone
• Croft
• Cadwell Park
• Knockhill

• Other Meetings

• North West 200