Dilligaf Racing Manx GP 2014 race report
Dilligaf Racer Steve Moody competed in the 2014 Manx Grand Prix in the Mylchreests Junior MGP and the Full Factory Winnerswear Senior Manx MPG on his 2012 Triumph 675R. Steve was no. 72 in the Junior MGP and no. 45 in the Senior MGP.
Each race was to consist of four laps around the 37.73 mile TT Mountain Course totalling 150 miles on closed public roads through towns, villages and over a mountain that runs down the island's spine.
Racing and practice sessions covered a two week period with very little rest for riders or their pit crews with practice sessions most days and a full race program. Steve, supported by his pit crew Bruce Lewis, Steve Gilkes and Des Morgan, hopes of success were almost dashed during the first practice session, when a shower of stones, flicked up by another rider's back wheel, pierced a hole in the radiator causing a coolant leak. A search for a new part started in earnest and a new radiator had to be sent over from the mainland.
During the 7 days of practice, Steve gradually increased his average lap speeds from 100.163 mph to an impressive 107:545mph on his final practice session as he became more confident and knowledgeable with the world’s longest and most technical road racing circuit.
The Mylcheests Junior Manx Grand Prix was held on 27th August. Conditions were described as 'perfect' by the Clerk of the Course. At 10:15am, a tap on the shoulder from the starter sent riders off down Bray Hill one by one; throttle pinned open and flat out by the time they reach the bottom of the Bray Hill.
Steve's account of the race:
‘The morning of the race I was really nervous; even after a week of practice, there were still certain parts of the track I was unsure of. As the bikes lined up on the Glencrutchery Road, I was relieved to see that everyone else was feeling exactly the same. One of the great things about the MGP, is the mutual respect between riders; a shake of the hand, a nod or a wink to each other before each got on their bikes ready for the off.’
‘Wheeling the bike to the start line, everything seemed to slow down and go quiet; all I could hear was my heart pounding. Then a tap on the shoulder from the starter, and I headed off towards Bray Hill, telling myself to keep it pinned, keep it pinned, adrenalin rushing through every nerve cell in my
‘The heart stopping moment of the race, was on lap one, at the end of the mountain mile. Three stone walls mark the end of this section, where the top boys don't shut off until the third wall. All through practice, I was shutting off, changing down a gear, at the first wall. Coming towards this section, I kept telling myself 'keep it pinned, keep it pinned.' I took a deep breath and went for it, when a gust of wind took me and the bike to the white line edge of track, far too close for comfort. A close call but instantly my mind was back on the job and concentrated on what was coming next.’
‘Over the next two laps, I was able to overtake more riders and only one came past me, so I knew I was going well.’
‘At the end of lap 2, I pulled into the pits for the fuel stop; it's amazing how hard it is to ride 60 kph after you have been riding flat out over the mountain. The boys in pits did an amazing job; after all the laughs and giggles we had rehearsing for this moment, they were focused, calm and professional. Once fuelled, it was back to full throttle down Bray Hill again.’
‘As I powered over the mountain for the last time on the final lap, a huge grin filled my helmet as the realisation that I was going to finish the race and eighteen months of hard work had paid off; I was about to complete my ambition, and at that moment, regardless of position , I would be a 'finisher'. As I passed the Creg Ny Baa for the last time where I knew friends where watching from the balcony, I gave a wave which the Misses told me off about when she found out; don't understand why but she said I should have had both hands on the handlebars!’
‘Crossing the finish line I was so relieved and had an enormous sense of achievement. After my initial feelings of relief, thoughts turned to lap times and if I had gone quick enough to win a replica trophy. Pride and complete sense of accomplishment filled me as Elaine screamed across the paddock 'you’ve won a replica!' A had a Silver Lady, the dream was complete.’
Steve’s laps speeds (average in mph) during the race:
Lap 1: 109:615
Lap 2:108:464
Lap 3: 104:913 (including a very smooth pit stop by the ‘Pit Stop Boys’ – Mechanic Bruce Lewis, Fuel man Des Morgan, and ‘paddock stand man’ Steve Gilkes)
Lap 4: 110.105
Speed traps:
Sulby Straight: 153.57 mph (lap 2)
Grandstand: 148.01 mph (lap 1)
Steve completed the 4 lap 150 mile race through towns, villages and over a mountain, in 1 hour 23 minutes and 39 seconds with an average overall lap speed (including pit stop) of 108:236mph to finish 40th overall out of 90 riders off the grid, gaining himself a prized silver replica trophy and achieving his ambition. Steve returned to the paddock to loud cheers from his supporters and even louder cheers from his partner, the self appointed team manager, Elaine, who has been the driving force behind the team’s success.
The final race of the Manx Grand Prix 2014 was the Full Factory Winnerswear Senior Grand Prix held on Friday 29th August.
Heavy overnights rains caused a delay to the start of the race. The race was due to start after the parade lap but with the threat of rain coming in again in the afternoon, officials decided to change the programme and run the race first. After more delays due to high winds, the race finally got underway at 12:30.
Steve was now riding with the number 45 having been moved up the grid by officials. At exactly 12:37 and 40 seconds, Steve got a tap on the shoulder and headed off down Bray Hill, full throttle!
Steve completed an impressive first lap with an average speed of 108:311 mph. Supporters and the team could only sit back and wait nervously for Steve to return on lap 2 for his pit stop. Steve was due back in at 13:18 (approx.) 13:18 came and went. 13:19, no Steve. 13.20, no Steve. 13.21, still no Steve. 13:22, Elaine went for news. Steve had retired at Brandywell due to mechanical failure. A very relieved Elaine went back to supporters in the Grandstand, and shouted, 'Its Ok, he’s just blown his engine up!' which was greeted with loud cheers as though he had just won the race!
body. By Ballacraine, I had already caught the two riders who had set off directly before me, passing them both through Glen Helen.It wasn't long before I relaxed and settled into a rhythm, allowing the speeds to flow, aware of the huge silly grin inside my crash helmet.’
Steve said, ‘All was going really well. I felt much smoother than in the Junior race and was taking sections flat out that previously I had shut off in. I felt like I was on a flying lap and sure my speeds were up on the previous race. I had to rev the bike much harder than before due to the very winds over the mountain. Coming out of Ramsey on lap 2, the fuel light came on and I could only hope there was enough to get me back to the pits. As I powered out of the Bungalow the bike seemed to loose power. At first I thought the bike was struggling due to the windy conditions and so dropped down a gear. Still the bike seemed lifeless so I dropped another gear. My first thoughts were that I had run out of fuel but as I looked down a shower of water and oil covered me. All I could do was drop the clutch, hit the kill switch and pull over. I was gutted, completely.’
Shortly after, the race was red flagged due to two incidents at the 11th milestone and Alpine.
Soon after a very oily Steve returned to the paddock thanks to HOC supporter Richard Hartland, who when he heard over the radio that Steve had retired, and went to rescue him off the mountain and bring him safely back to the paddock pilly on his ER6, to a very and relieved Elaine and team. Needless to say Mr Moody, living up to his name, was moody and very disappointed with his retirement. The bike had lost pressure at the Bungalow and 'chucked its guts out' at Brandywell, with a mixture of water and oil showering Steve.
Needless to say all were disappointed by the result but very relieved Steve was Ok. A full diagnosis is underway.
As the race was red flagged, it was declared a result on the first 2 laps.
During the race a rider lost his life, our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Two other riders lost their lives in practice week. Team Dilligaf would like to send their condolences to their families and friends.
That evening the award ceremony was held at the Villa Marina where racers were congratulated for their outstanding achievements, and those who lost their lives remembered.
Team Dilligaf would like to thank all their friends and supporters who came over to the Isle of Man to support Steve. We would also like to thanks all the Marshalls for their hard work over the two weeks and making the team feel so very welcome. Special thanks to Marshals Mary Rose Trainor and Ronald who supported Elaine on the Glencrutchery Road on race days.
Huge Thanks also go to our sponsors KC Autocolours, Scott Leathers, Continental tyres, Venhill Engineering, Skidmarx, Clive and Ann Latham and the Royal British Legion Riders, Oxford Products and HJC Helmets, Knox Armour, B R Racing and supporters Dan Sager and The Fabulous Biker Boys and members of the Honda Owner Club.
The team would also like to thanks all those who sponsored Steve via the Dilligaf 100 Club, Elaine Heckford, Steve Gilkes, Pat Moody, Damion Walker, Marty and Sandra Taylor, Erica and Gerald Gassor, Ted German, Ken(& Elaine) T.J., Claire Robins, Clive and Ann Latham, May Heckford and Debbie Reynolds.
The team are already making plans for next year and hope two bring home two silver ladies to add the collection.
http://dilligaf-racing.co.uk/
Each race was to consist of four laps around the 37.73 mile TT Mountain Course totalling 150 miles on closed public roads through towns, villages and over a mountain that runs down the island's spine.
Racing and practice sessions covered a two week period with very little rest for riders or their pit crews with practice sessions most days and a full race program. Steve, supported by his pit crew Bruce Lewis, Steve Gilkes and Des Morgan, hopes of success were almost dashed during the first practice session, when a shower of stones, flicked up by another rider's back wheel, pierced a hole in the radiator causing a coolant leak. A search for a new part started in earnest and a new radiator had to be sent over from the mainland.
During the 7 days of practice, Steve gradually increased his average lap speeds from 100.163 mph to an impressive 107:545mph on his final practice session as he became more confident and knowledgeable with the world’s longest and most technical road racing circuit.
The Mylcheests Junior Manx Grand Prix was held on 27th August. Conditions were described as 'perfect' by the Clerk of the Course. At 10:15am, a tap on the shoulder from the starter sent riders off down Bray Hill one by one; throttle pinned open and flat out by the time they reach the bottom of the Bray Hill.
Steve's account of the race:
‘The morning of the race I was really nervous; even after a week of practice, there were still certain parts of the track I was unsure of. As the bikes lined up on the Glencrutchery Road, I was relieved to see that everyone else was feeling exactly the same. One of the great things about the MGP, is the mutual respect between riders; a shake of the hand, a nod or a wink to each other before each got on their bikes ready for the off.’
‘Wheeling the bike to the start line, everything seemed to slow down and go quiet; all I could hear was my heart pounding. Then a tap on the shoulder from the starter, and I headed off towards Bray Hill, telling myself to keep it pinned, keep it pinned, adrenalin rushing through every nerve cell in my
‘The heart stopping moment of the race, was on lap one, at the end of the mountain mile. Three stone walls mark the end of this section, where the top boys don't shut off until the third wall. All through practice, I was shutting off, changing down a gear, at the first wall. Coming towards this section, I kept telling myself 'keep it pinned, keep it pinned.' I took a deep breath and went for it, when a gust of wind took me and the bike to the white line edge of track, far too close for comfort. A close call but instantly my mind was back on the job and concentrated on what was coming next.’
‘Over the next two laps, I was able to overtake more riders and only one came past me, so I knew I was going well.’
‘At the end of lap 2, I pulled into the pits for the fuel stop; it's amazing how hard it is to ride 60 kph after you have been riding flat out over the mountain. The boys in pits did an amazing job; after all the laughs and giggles we had rehearsing for this moment, they were focused, calm and professional. Once fuelled, it was back to full throttle down Bray Hill again.’
‘As I powered over the mountain for the last time on the final lap, a huge grin filled my helmet as the realisation that I was going to finish the race and eighteen months of hard work had paid off; I was about to complete my ambition, and at that moment, regardless of position , I would be a 'finisher'. As I passed the Creg Ny Baa for the last time where I knew friends where watching from the balcony, I gave a wave which the Misses told me off about when she found out; don't understand why but she said I should have had both hands on the handlebars!’
‘Crossing the finish line I was so relieved and had an enormous sense of achievement. After my initial feelings of relief, thoughts turned to lap times and if I had gone quick enough to win a replica trophy. Pride and complete sense of accomplishment filled me as Elaine screamed across the paddock 'you’ve won a replica!' A had a Silver Lady, the dream was complete.’
Steve’s laps speeds (average in mph) during the race:
Lap 1: 109:615
Lap 2:108:464
Lap 3: 104:913 (including a very smooth pit stop by the ‘Pit Stop Boys’ – Mechanic Bruce Lewis, Fuel man Des Morgan, and ‘paddock stand man’ Steve Gilkes)
Lap 4: 110.105
Speed traps:
Sulby Straight: 153.57 mph (lap 2)
Grandstand: 148.01 mph (lap 1)
Steve completed the 4 lap 150 mile race through towns, villages and over a mountain, in 1 hour 23 minutes and 39 seconds with an average overall lap speed (including pit stop) of 108:236mph to finish 40th overall out of 90 riders off the grid, gaining himself a prized silver replica trophy and achieving his ambition. Steve returned to the paddock to loud cheers from his supporters and even louder cheers from his partner, the self appointed team manager, Elaine, who has been the driving force behind the team’s success.
The final race of the Manx Grand Prix 2014 was the Full Factory Winnerswear Senior Grand Prix held on Friday 29th August.
Heavy overnights rains caused a delay to the start of the race. The race was due to start after the parade lap but with the threat of rain coming in again in the afternoon, officials decided to change the programme and run the race first. After more delays due to high winds, the race finally got underway at 12:30.
Steve was now riding with the number 45 having been moved up the grid by officials. At exactly 12:37 and 40 seconds, Steve got a tap on the shoulder and headed off down Bray Hill, full throttle!
Steve completed an impressive first lap with an average speed of 108:311 mph. Supporters and the team could only sit back and wait nervously for Steve to return on lap 2 for his pit stop. Steve was due back in at 13:18 (approx.) 13:18 came and went. 13:19, no Steve. 13.20, no Steve. 13.21, still no Steve. 13:22, Elaine went for news. Steve had retired at Brandywell due to mechanical failure. A very relieved Elaine went back to supporters in the Grandstand, and shouted, 'Its Ok, he’s just blown his engine up!' which was greeted with loud cheers as though he had just won the race!
Steve said, ‘All was going really well. I felt much smoother than in the Junior race and was taking sections flat out that previously I had shut off in. I felt like I was on a flying lap and sure my speeds were up on the previous race. I had to rev the bike much harder than before due to the very winds over the mountain. Coming out of Ramsey on lap 2, the fuel light came on and I could only hope there was enough to get me back to the pits. As I powered out of the Bungalow the bike seemed to loose power. At first I thought the bike was struggling due to the windy conditions and so dropped down a gear. Still the bike seemed lifeless so I dropped another gear. My first thoughts were that I had run out of fuel but as I looked down a shower of water and oil covered me. All I could do was drop the clutch, hit the kill switch and pull over. I was gutted, completely.’
Shortly after, the race was red flagged due to two incidents at the 11th milestone and Alpine.
Soon after a very oily Steve returned to the paddock thanks to HOC supporter Richard Hartland, who when he heard over the radio that Steve had retired, and went to rescue him off the mountain and bring him safely back to the paddock pilly on his ER6, to a very and relieved Elaine and team. Needless to say Mr Moody, living up to his name, was moody and very disappointed with his retirement. The bike had lost pressure at the Bungalow and 'chucked its guts out' at Brandywell, with a mixture of water and oil showering Steve.
Needless to say all were disappointed by the result but very relieved Steve was Ok. A full diagnosis is underway.
As the race was red flagged, it was declared a result on the first 2 laps.
During the race a rider lost his life, our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Two other riders lost their lives in practice week. Team Dilligaf would like to send their condolences to their families and friends.
That evening the award ceremony was held at the Villa Marina where racers were congratulated for their outstanding achievements, and those who lost their lives remembered.
Team Dilligaf would like to thank all their friends and supporters who came over to the Isle of Man to support Steve. We would also like to thanks all the Marshalls for their hard work over the two weeks and making the team feel so very welcome. Special thanks to Marshals Mary Rose Trainor and Ronald who supported Elaine on the Glencrutchery Road on race days.
Huge Thanks also go to our sponsors KC Autocolours, Scott Leathers, Continental tyres, Venhill Engineering, Skidmarx, Clive and Ann Latham and the Royal British Legion Riders, Oxford Products and HJC Helmets, Knox Armour, B R Racing and supporters Dan Sager and The Fabulous Biker Boys and members of the Honda Owner Club.
The team would also like to thanks all those who sponsored Steve via the Dilligaf 100 Club, Elaine Heckford, Steve Gilkes, Pat Moody, Damion Walker, Marty and Sandra Taylor, Erica and Gerald Gassor, Ted German, Ken(& Elaine) T.J., Claire Robins, Clive and Ann Latham, May Heckford and Debbie Reynolds.
The team are already making plans for next year and hope two bring home two silver ladies to add the collection.
http://dilligaf-racing.co.uk/