Road racer Stephen Walsh plans a double attack on 2024 Manx Grand Prix
Ardfert-based road racer Stephen Walsh is to make a two-pronged attack on the 2024 season after being offered the use of a second bike by an English racer.
Walsh made his Manx Grand Prix debut this year but his maiden out on the Island was fraught with problems.
He only ever managed a few sighting laps of the famous 37-mile track on his Honda CB 350 before he had to abandon all hopes of racing.
In the off-season, he has sought advice from legendary local bikie racing engineer Der Rahilly
“Der told me my biggest problem was I treated the Manx Grand Prix as just another road race but I need it to be the focus of my full season,” explained Walsh who usually races in the Junior Classic Category,
He has been offered the use of a Honda ‘Black Bomber’ CB 450 for the 2024 by English bike racer Jeff Smyth who was impressed with his short-lived performance on the Isle of Man this year.
As a result, he will race the 450 in the Senior Classic on closed-road events in Northern Ireland next season.
He will race his usual 350cc machine on short circuits like Kirkistown and Bishopscourt in 2024 with an eye on entering both the Senior Classic and Junior Classic Manx Grand Prix next year.
“I will have two bikes, with spare engines,” he added. “The full focus on next year is the Manx Grand Prix on the two bikes and make up for this year’s disappointment.
Walsh’s plans hinge on the sport in Northern Ireland getting the required insurance to go ahead in 2024.
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