PETE TURNBULL
DoB 1-11-56
Marital Status Married to Zoe
Career Highlights M.G.P.2000
So Pete, I'll start with an obvious topic, your Manx Grand Prix win. It's been a long time coming, and it must be a life times ambition achieved?
Yes , I've been coming to the Manx since 1982 as a mechanic or a rider. I never thought I would ever stand on top of the podium. First time I rode it was just the challenge of riding the T.T. course but after last year I knew I had a chance if things went right
But that's it, you've defiantly retired? Would you never consider doing the TT?
Yes, that's it . I've never thought of doing the T.T. The ACU sent me regs after I did 100mph lap at my first Manx.
In my opinion you would be up amongst the top ten in the Lightweight race straight away?
Yes I'm sure I could do what milky did and finish in the top six.
OK, you lapped at over 114mph at this years Manx but how fast do you think you could you have gone in the Lightweight, had you have been pushed harder?
I would have gone as fast as I had to; 115mph. The 114 in the junior felt quite safe.
If Brian Kneale had have been fully fit, do you think he would have provided more of a challenge?
Possibly , but I think I had him weighed up after the Junior. My bike was faster.
You've had a good season at home also, on the short circuits. Tell us a bit more about that.
I did the MRO National 250 Championship finishing 7th in the championship despite missing 5 rounds. My best result was 4th at Snetterton beating a few Supercup riders. I am also the Honda/New Era 250 Superclub Champion.
And I believe you are starting to sponsor and help out a young rider now on the mainland?
Yeah, Scarborough 125 rider Jeremy Goodall. At the moment they are one off rides, nothing has been sorted for next year ( yet ).
Does he have aspirations of riding in the MGP?
Never talked about it yet
Changing the subject slightly, The Sport in general as we all know is enduring a rough time at the moment, what are your thoughts on the topic and what would you like to see to improve matters?
I would like to see more discussions between organizers and the riders.
Well I have one final question for you, and I'd like to talk about the Manx Grand Prix again and mention some of your closest rivals from this year. The Lightweight race as we know has historically been a fast race and this year was no exception. Now you have won it, what are your thoughts on Brian Kneale, Nigel Beattie and Martin Finnegan, three riders who already must be favorites to claim the rostrum positions next year?
BRIAN - I really wonder if his chance has pasted him by , lots of fast people have never won a Manx
NIGEL - A good young rider his time will come, we've already spoken since the Manx and he knows were he is slower than the others
MARTIN - Good speed as a newcomer but I understand he was going to leave the roads alone.
My tip if he ever got a good bike would be BRIAN MATEER. To do 110mph on a 1991 bike was very good.
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Pete, congratulations on your success and best of luck for the future.
No problem Paul. Can I just thank the following who have helped me out throughout my career:
Zoe Turnbull (main sponsor), Gary Cartledge (mechanic), York Yamaha Center, North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club, Paul Watson (pit man), tuner Frank Wrathall, Martin Bullock and many little sponsors that have chipped during my racing career.
Interview by Paul Phillips