12.3.09 Hi I try to represent the MGP in Australia to get the word around and encourage any rider wanting to make the trip. Its a big ask, as the logistic obstacles to overcome are enormous. There are some good riders in the superbike and SuperSport championships and a clash in race dates makes it difficult. The experience at the MGP I feel is the only way riders from Australia could make the jump to further MGP and TT yearly performances, thus giving the depth needed to riders that it is worth making the effort. At the moment no riders are making the Jump. The ones in recent years who have done so, so gone home shaking their head \" its some darm far and expensive they can\'t justify a return.
What is needed for the far-flung lands is local UK efforts of support. A group is better than one sponsor. A sponsor to provide the machine/s , accessory support, mechanic, some hand holders and somewhere to live. Australian Riders suffer plummeting A$ , A$5000 Airline Flight, Sea Freight + Customs Duties or buy local and race prepare a secondhand machine in a tent in 3 days!
It might be some of thee have connections with shipping / Airline / Leisure Industry / Camping / Van Rental companies or you might have some of these that you can put your hand up for. If you want the riders to come, then put your hand up, everyone has to feel wanted to make big efforts.
Remember some are 21 and are over focused, some are forty and laid back, some drink some don\'t. its all about expectations.
What I have said here could also apply to NW/NE/SE/SW English Riders , Scottish and Irish Riders or even East Europeans. Its a rich man who lends a tenner and gets his tenner back than the one who puts his hand out and leaves his tenner in his pocket(CT 2009 copyright).
New Post Classic Race.
Time to put myfootinmouth. In Australia the new post classic is called Forgotten Era Period 5 (www.postclassicracing.com.au) and is a 1300cc limit and use 17\" Rims and Slick tyre, supposedly on safety grounds. It maybe someday one or two may come over, but they will be older wiser riders. Up to 1979 Methanol was the fuel of choice more suited to this hot climate and easier to keep tuned as the temp raised and fell through a day. Now they just use petrol. I think the new format should stay with the F1 proposed for four strokes. They never had such discrimination here, they mainly ran braced standard frames and standard brakes. There is some interesting histories, such a \"the syndicate\" who were a bunch of mates who punched big reliable horsepower out of a Kawasaki Z1000 and scared and beat the factory supported bikes. This was the Golden Age of Superbike Racing and it is no coincidence that this was at the start where innovation ruled.
Chris Thomson. Australia.
To contact Chris with regard to any of the above matters click here....

The Isle of Man TT Marshal's Association will be holding a sponsored sidecar pull around the T.T.Course on Saturday 11th April 2009 (Easter Saturday), starting at 9am from the Grandstand. The monies raised will be divided between the Association and Rebecca House which is the childrens section of the Hospice on the Island.
All are welcome to attend if on the island at the time or if you would like a sponsor form please e.mail Terry Holmes at terry@iomttma.com - all of your help will be very much appreciated.
Nick Crowe and hopefully Mark Cox will be starting the event as well as taking part.

Steven 'Cargo' Carr (27.2.09). Hi guys I'm looking for a newcomer to join me on a trip to the IOM on May 8th 9th 10th. I already have one guy coming with me but would be very happy to have another. I'd prefer to find somebody who can't join a Hailwood foundation trip for what ever reason. But any newcomer would be most welcome.
I have a place to stay at very low cost so the flight is the biggest expence, Getting a flight booked early is cheaper so I\'d like to get it done ASAP. If anyone knows of a suitable newcomer get in touch with me diretly (click here) or via the club.

Post Classic MGP. Stuart Noon (23.2.09) I rather like the idea of a post classic event with the proviso that it does not interfere with the existing Junior / Senior / Light weight classic set up.It will be good to see the TZ and RG's out again. My only fear is that there could be a lack of entries due to the high cost of running these bikes over a fortnight in the island. I suppose the big four strokes might be a better bet(and look good too).

I want that registration! (18.2.09). Anon