NIGEL BEATTIE
DoB - 07 / 11 / 77
Marital Status - Single
Home Town - Laxey, Isle of Man
Career Highlight - MGP 97, 98, 99, 2000
Nigel Beattie from Laxey in the Isle of Man has enjoyed another successful year at the Manx Grand Prix and on the short circuits both on the Island and in the UK. At only 22 years old, Nigel has had a successful albeit short career, but he is keen to improve on his success.
We spoke to him at his home in Laxey and asked him about this season and his plans for the future.
Nigel; another good year, and another improvement on your previous Manx Grand Prix finish?
This year has been a good season for myself both on the short circuits and at the Manx Grand Prix. I won the IOM 600 Championship, IOM 250 Championship and also the joint winner of the Champions of Champions class. Also I had my first win in the UK at Cadwell Park. At the Manx I was aiming to get on the rostrum in the Lightweight, so to finish runner up I was delighted. For me this was my best result of the year.
How did the fortnight go for you? Were there any major problems?
I did not really have any problems during the fortnight, once again the bike ran perfectly all week. We had a few little handling problems which we sorted out early in the week, but apart from that everything ran smoothly
So you were second to Pete Turnbull in the end, but do you think, had Brian Kneale been fully fit, he may have pushed you harder?
Possibly, we will have to wait till next year to find out.
In an interview with Pete Turnbull on this site, he said that ‘your time will come’? Do you agree?
Hopefully. Each year I have done the Manx I have lapped quicker, which shows I am still learning, but I wont be pushing myself. If I can again lap quicker again next year I should not be far off, but if I don't win there's always the year after.
So if you win next year will you then move up to the TT?
Yes, I have always dreamed of competing in the TT
The MGP is the only ‘Pure’ Road race you ride at present. Will we see you at the North West 200 at any stage in the future?
Possibly in the future, it is something I have thought about, but at the moment I am happy just doing the Manx.
So what are your plans for next season? I believe you maybe riding in different classes next year?
I will be having selected rides on the Wilson & Collins 750 Kawasaki, but for next year this will be limited to the short circuits only. Although I am a total 2 stroke fan I think the time has come to have a go on a four stroke, because the 2 strokes are a dying class, which is a shame because they are proper racing bikes built for one job only.
Will you still do a full season in the Isle of Man or will you be venturing to the UK more next season?
Depending on funds, I want to do a full season of the televised MRO championships in the UK. The MRO is a stepping stone to the British Championships, and is aimed at bridging the huge gap between club and national racing
And what about the Manx? Will it be another outing on a 250?
Yes I will be using a 250 for the Lightweight, and possibly a 600 for the Junior.
I know it’s early to predict but who do you think will be your main opposition next year at the Manx. Brian Kneale and Martin Finnegan spring to mind?
I think your right Brian will be trying as hard as ever, and Martin was very quick for a newcomer and it will be interesting to see how fast he goes with another year of experience under his belt.
How long have you been racing then Nigel?
I started racing in 1995 on a 250 KRIS Kawasaki at Jurby, and made my MGP debut in 1997 finishing 2nd in the Lightweight newcomers.
Was it always an ambition, with your father racing before you?
With my Dad racing I sort of grew up around the racing scene, and have always wanted to have a go since then.
It must be helpful to have your father’s support and knowledge with you as a rider?
Very much so, to have someone with you that has been there and done it before is a big help and I am very lucky in that respect.
Other than your dad who were you racing heroes when you were younger?
Steve Hislop is a rider I like to watch, he has proved himself both on the circuits and the roads on all sizes of bikes.
You have enjoyed a lot of success already. Obviously the Manx Grand Prix win is the one you want at the moment, but you’re still young. What is your long-term ambition?
At the moment the Manx Grand Prix Lightweight Race is my main goal. In the long term my ambition would be to stand on the rostrum at the TT, and to do a full season of British Championship.
Finally is there anyone you would like to thank before we leave you?
I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me out this year mainly, my Mum & Dad, Blacks Fireplaces, Phoenix Windows and the Queens Hotel in Laxey, Stealth Collins, Tweed plus everyone else who has helped out. THANKS
Well Nigel it was great speaking with you all the best for the future and keep us up to date with your progress next year.
Interview by Paul Phillips