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Competitor Profile: Michael Connor

MGP Career Summary

Position104954576166717274DNF
No of times1111111111

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Biography

I started motorcycling as a telegram boy with Royal Mail in 1975, riding a Puch moped or BSA Bantam by day and my own 350 Kawasaki or 750 Honda by night. The Puch moped was a bit of an embarrassment, so I used to ride during the day with a scarf around my face so that friends wouldn't recognise me!

I used to go to the Transatlantic Match Races at Oulton Park and dream of one day taking part in races there and in 1983 I started racing, my first race being at Flookburgh on an old Yamaha RD250B which I had bought for £125. That soon made way for a 250LC and many a good time was had (and much money spent) on that.

Many bikes have come and gone but my favourite was a Kawasaki ZXR750 H2 on which I made my Manx Grand Prix debut in 1995 having previously come over to spanner for Joss Armer the year before.

Prior to that I had only been over with friends on a day trip to the TT 1980 when racing was rained off and I vowed never to come back again. Good job I did because I fell in love with the place and even now when I don't compete any more have to lock myself away in a darkened room when the Grand Prix is on.

It really is the biggest challenge for motorcyclists - on a par with Everest for climbers - so finishing was rewarding enough for me. I always treated the races as a holiday and didn't put pressure on myself. If I got a good result, that was a bonus.

I was lucky to have good friends to mechanic for me and I made some new and lasting ones whilst there.

On the mainland I competed at many circuits around the country but my favourites were Oulton Park and Aintree. I have raced in many classes including 250 Proddy and Singles.



Michael Connor



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