mike thomas

Hi! I'm Mike Thomas and I have been interested in Motor Cycle Road racing since the 1960's. Loved watching and listening to the works multi's of that era (especially the sound of the Honda's, MV's and Benelli's). I admired a number of racers from the 60's and 70s, with my heroes being Mike Hailwood and Jarno Saarinen.

1989 - I bought two road going CB 250 Hondas (non-runners) with a view to building a K4 racer. I built the rolling chassis myself and contacted Ron Roebury to build the engine for me. His genuine ex-works RSC Production racer had featured in a magazine article that inspired me to build a K4 racer replica

1990 - It gave me great pleasure in early I990 to hear the bike fire up for the first time, then I thought, do I get a rider or have a go myself?.
After a twelve year lay off and a few laps of Pembrey, to run the bike in, the bug had bitten and I wanted to have a go at racing. At my age (45+) I knew I was not going to set the world alight, but since then I have enjoyed myself so much and made so many good friends through racing.

1991 - I joined the Classic Racing Motor club and did their parades for a season for experience and a chance of riding on many of the circuits I had spectated at years ago. It was a good apprenticeship for me.

1992 - Still with the Classic Racing Motor Club and my first race at Brands Hatch. Race time, on the grid with 30 other riders, waiting to push start my bike, with my heart pounding and thinking to myself "What the hell am I doing here, is this what I really want". Too late, the flag dropped, got it started, but almost everyone roared off in the distance and there was me thinking what a good push starter I was. After being passed anywhere and everywhere by numerous riders the race ended and I had finished my first race as a novice rider. Brilliant, but what a wake up call compared to parades! I completed the full season with the Classic club.

Early days at Pembrey with the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (No. 80)

1993 to 1996 - -I was advised to try and upgrade my license from club to national and joined 3 more racing clubs, to improve my racing. The North Gloucester Club was first and I raced on lots of airfield circuits. Although not my favorite tracks they served their purpose and I actually finished 3rd. in my group a couple of times. I also raced at Aintree for two seasons, what a fast circuit and the locals really know their way around there. I had some mid-field finishes. Then there was a new circuit called Tonfanau ran by the Crewe and Nantwich Club. A great bunch of people. I enjoyed many good races there with some 2nd, 3rd, and top 5 finishes. My best season (1996, I think) saw me as runner up in the 350 Classic Championship.

1996 to 1997 - These two seasons were similar to the previous years. still enjoyable, but I needed a new challenge. I competed in my first proper road race at Jehonville (Belgium). Great experience racing on closed public roads in the mountains and forests of the Ardennes. From four races l got a 15th, l2th, 8th and a DNF. Also road raced at a seaside circuit called New Brighton, where they race along the promenade taking in about three roundabouts. Finished mid-field positions here. Must mention a brilliant littIe circuit called Three Sisters near Wigan. Originally a go-kart circuit, 1300 metres long with 13 turns or bends in it I'm told. To watch the quicker riders scratching around there was something to see. I got an 8th, 6th, and 7th, and was well pleased.

However, I needed a National Race meeting for my licence upgrade and having spectated there for years. Aberdare Park was next on my race calendar. First practice and then the race, it was like my first race at Brands all over again. "What the hell am I doing here". The other riders were flying around the place. It was a huge step in class from what I was used to. I raced Aberdare three more times, but I was never comfortable at the Park, even Though I won my first £10 prize money there.

(Above No. 23) My second Aberdare meeting 1996.

(Below NO.17) My first Irish short circuit meeting Mondello Park 1997.

1997 and my first race in Ireland Mondello Park and realised that the short circuit racing in Ireland is as fast and furious as over here but with a lot more humour. I remember my best finishes were around 7th, and 9th, places, but the Irish Nation really know how to party, whatever the result.

1998 - 2003 It was at this time an Irish racer mate asked what about trying Road Racing in the North of Ireland next year?. A phone call later and I was experiencing Real Road Racing again, but the Irish way. I have never met a more friendly, hospitable, humorous, and knowledgeable nation as regards to motor cycle racing. They will do all they can to get you racing, then there's the "craic" afterwards. The biggest drawback is they don't want you to leave. During these five years, I enjoyed real road racing at the Cookstown 100 (the old Sherrygroom and the new Orritor circuit), the super fast tandragee 100 course, the unforgiving Temple 100 (no longer used), the popular Skerries ond Killalane circuits.

(Below No. 21) 2003 Waiting for the start at Killalane road races.

2004 - An early season crash, at the Cookstown 100 in heavy rain, put me out of racing for the rest of the year.

2005 - Business commitments and illness took up most of my time in 2005.

2006 - Fully recovered and I renewed my racing licence hoping to catch some mid to end of season races, this did not happen but I got to a couple of Twisty sprints with the Port Talbot Club.

2007 - Renewed my licence early this year, missed the first Tonfanua meeting, problems with the bike. Entered the third meeting, weather dreadful, 3 races my best finish 11th. After almost three years off. I was happy to be racing again. However, I soon realised how much quicker everyone is going and I need to do a lot more work on the bike. More importantly, I needed to do a lot more work on the rider (myself). Next meeting you've guessed it, Aberdare Park. Knowing I would be well off the pace, this year I decided to try to come to terms with the Park first and then concentrate on racing it. Having completed 2 practices and 3 out of 4 races (best finish 8th, and not last, I think it may have worked for me, even got another £10 prize money!!!!). At last I came away from Aberdare Park having enjoyed racing there and will do it aqain.

Below
(2007 No.52) Aberdare Park finishing a lonely but pleasing 8th place.

Entered the last meeting of the year at Tonfanau. Despite some intermittent electrical problems, I finished 3 out of 4 races and enjoyed some good mid-field battles with good racer friends of mine. Which for me is what racing is all about. My best finish was 6th. I was well pleased.

Above
(2007 No.52) Aberdare Park leaving the paddock for the start line.

I am now looking forward to next years racing in 2008.

Thank you for taking the time to read about a short page of my racing exploits.
There will be photos to follow as soon as I have compiled them