Almost everyone in bike racing has heard of the Isle of Man TT, however I for one had never been before. So when Phase One were invited to run two bikes there I was keen to attend. My rider for the duration was James McBride who had unexpectedly raced at Le Mans earlier in the year after the episode with the frenchman.
The first practice session went well, with McBride completing one lap on my bike, and another 1 or two on his own supersport and superstock machines. The debrief highlighted a few differences in bike requirements at the TT, including softer springs and damping, much higher screen, seat pads, tank grips, etc.
With the bike modifications achieved McBride completed two laps on my bike in the Monday evening session, one on his supersport bike and just managed to get out to start a final lap on his superstock bike before pit lane closed. Another 20 minutes later, and most of the field had returned to the paddock and James, being the last man out was due back any second. A few minutes later and the pit lane gate was shut, meaning there were no bikes on track. After enquiring at the race office we were told James had been involved in an accident at Gorse Lee, a 5th gear corner not far into the 37 mile lap, and had been airlifted to hospital.
During the van ride to the hospital very little was said, but I’m sure very similar thoughts were in the minds of team manager Russell Benney, James’ regular mechanic Ady, and I. After a short wait at the hospital we were informed that James had broken his ribs, arm, and shoulder. Which to us was excellent news as it meant that he was alive and his injuries were not critical.
Before I left on the Wednesday after the crash James was due to come off the intensive care ward and was making great progress. Therefore the team were concerned with finding a replacement rider.
On Wednesday I flew to Germany to prepare for the IDM race at the Nurburgring
