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23.8.10 You're always assured a warm Manx welcome at the Sulby Glen Hotel. Special Manx Grand Prix menu including daily traditional roast carvery. Great place to watch the races, enjoy the Manx Grand Prix and ride safe! Rosie and Eddie.

22.8.10. 'Watch the 2010 Manx Grand Prix from Marown Church'. Excellent view of racing, 5 miles from the start, access when roads are closed via old railway line from Crosby. Warm welcome, delicious homemade snacks and meals. VERY reasonable prices - all proceeds to the church roof fund!

12.8.10 Kamil Holan / Thierry Sol. Kamil Holan (Czechoslovakia) and Thierry Sol (France) had both entered the 2010 Newcomers' Race but have had to withdraw their entries following recent racing incidents (not serious injuries). Both plan to enter next years MGP. Of course we wish them a speedy recovery!

9.8.10. Eddie Crooks

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of 1959 Senior Manx Grand Prix winner Eddie Crooks. Eddie was also a founder member of the Riders' Association, past President of the MGPRA and Guest of Honour at the 2009 MGP. To leave your message of condolence click here,....

Brian Donovan. My condolences to Martin and family re: the sad passing of Eddie. I only met Eddie briefly once when he had the newsagent shop and didn't really know him. I do very much appreciate the legacy he left behind in terms of the Suzukis that he promoted through his racing and developments of the models that we race in the MGP and throughout the world. My frame was originally made/altered in the USA but was susequently changed to Crooks specifications to take part in the MGP. Also without his committment we wouldn't have the fine shop that continues to help us all enjoy ourselves! Vale Eddie!
Hope everyone has a successful Manx...I'll be listening from Australia on Manx Radio live!

9.9.10 Nigel Barton. 1989 Senior MGP Winner." I will be doing my Isle of Man Charity Cycle lap agaon this year. I will be leaving the Grandstand on Thursday 2nd September at 7.00am for the lap. All proceeds to the Rob Vine fund. To make a donation follow the links on mms.org.im. Thanks, Nigel"

 

24.1.10 Keith Heckles.

Mike Steel (right) and Keith Heckles with the Junior Beart Norton on which Keith finished second in the 1966 Junior MGP

Very sad to report that 1967 Manx Grand Prix lap record holder, Keith Heckles has died. Keith passed away peacefully at his home in Liverpool. He was 75 years old.
A past vice chairman of the Riders' Association, Keith's best finish in the MGP was second. Moving on to the TT, he famously started with Giacomo Agostini on two occasions.

Post your memory of Keith by clicking here...

Barry Wood: Very sad, keith was one of the finest riders to NEVER win a Manx.

Terry Holmes. Chairman TTMA: R.I.P.Keith you where a true gent and great rider.

Reiner Trockel. Our  personally condolences  to Keith Heckles  family   from my brother Jochen Trockel and me (Reiner Trockel) and our friends / pit crew  Christiane Rohwer and Roman Rolke.

Les Trotter. Sad to hear that,just finished reading the big spread they gave him in Classic Racer recently. Keith was one of the old school who used to enjoy fun with his racing..doesn`t seem to happen with the young ones these days .

Bob Peck. Keith was a good friend and a loyal supporter of the TT&MGP Races and will be sadly missed at all the event's he entered throughout  his Riding Career .The Pubs in Douglas wont be the same during  the TT or MGP without Keith's stories over a Pint of Okells.   RIP  Keith

Michael Steel. Keith Heckles a close friend for 30 years. Keith's long association with the Beart Norton brought us together following my then ownership of the Junior machine, on which he secured 2nd position in the 1966 M.G.P. Keith will be a loss to many & to the sport.

Paul-Andy Gimbert. Keith will be a loss to many & to the sport. R.I.P Keith.

Nick Jefferies. Keith Heckles’ passing is a devastating loss to the classic motor cycle fraternity. Keith was a smashing bloke, incredibly modest, sincere, and entertaining. I am thankful that I knew him, and like many others I shall miss his friendship, and warm personality. Life will be a poorer place without him.

Barry Lindley. Sadly Missed by his contempories particularly, but everyone who remembers him.............RIP Keith.

Tom Loughbridge. 1966 was my first race in the Manx  and I remember his silky smooth style. Last saw Keith with Frank Steele and Steve Murray at  a CMRCRC dinner about ten years ago. A great rider and a true sportsman and gentleman. My condolences to his family.
Sadly missed.

Frances Thorp. Secretary TTRA. The TTRA Committee and Members are sorry to learn of the passing of Keith. A true gentleman and sportsman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family. Frances.

Graham Gardiner. Race Commentator. I  was very  very sad with the news of Keith heckles passing  from Colin Steele,a past rider and friend of mine and Keith and his family on the day of his passing.
Keith was a brilliant racer,and for me too which was important a lovely gentleman whom would give anyone his time and help,and personally always had lots of time for me and would give a great interview and he puts on a fantastic social evening each off season  which I was always invited and attended along with lots of his other friends from the motorcycle world held in his home city of  Liverpool .
The motorcycle world has lost a fine rider and a real gent of  the sport. Garry Gardiner.

Bill Hawthorne. I find it hard to believe Keith has gone, he has been the evergreen of our sport, and an excellent ambassador for many years, and only recently I commented on his dedication and enthusiasm which never wavered, I don't think I know of anybody who spent more time in racing leathers.
 
Bill (Ginger) Hawthorne

Michael.P.R.Stephenson. I used to see Keith at Aintree, and wander down memory lane with him. I used throw in a few names from the old days, and Keith had always a fund of stories to tell.  I'll be looking for him at Country Corner again.  A great rider, an enthusiast, and a gentleman of becoming modesty. 

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