Racing legend and TT hero Eddie Laycock to return to Isle of Man
Motorcycle racing legend Eddie Laycock is returning to the Isle of Man, scene of his two TT wins.
The Dubliner, who has suffered poor health for several years, will spend a family holiday in the Island, making use of the specially-adapted accommodation provided at Braddan Bridge House by the Joey Dunlop Foundation.
The trip, which will see Eddie’s wife Helen and children James and Jack travel as well, was suggested by John Harris, a long term sponsor and friend of Joey Dunlop.
Laycock has suffered ill health since 2006 which, in 2010, led to the need for his left leg and hip to be amputated. Clearly, that operation has affected his mobility, but the special accommodation provided by the foundation has meant a trip back to the Isle of Man was possible.
Joey Dunlop Foundation trustee Kevin Quirk said:
“Joey’s charity provides unique facilities for people with all levels of disabilities and we are very pleased that the Laycock family can use our facilities.”
Eddie was a star of the TT in thelate 1980s, enjoying some epic battles on his way to two wins. His first victory came in the 1987 Junior 250cc race, when he beat Steve Hislop, and the second in the 1989 400cc Trophy.
Having already competed in Grand Prix races in 1988 and 1989, Eddie’s sponsor Joe Millar was keen to leave the roads and concentrate on GP with support from Yamaha Japan, ROC France and Harris Performance.
Eddie’s final TT appearance was in 1990 when he was on the podium in the Junior with Ian Lougher and Hizzy.
With Yamaha insisting that Grand Prix be the priority, Eddie went on to enjoy racing against great names like Kevin Swantz, Eddie Lawson and Randy Mamola on factory bikes.
Eddie had thought about making his racing swansong at the TT, but, unable to put together a one-off race package, his final contest was the 1993 Daytona 200, where he finished 10th overall and 4th in the 250cc class.