Dave Clarke

1988: Started racing in Andreas Racing Association Club meeting at Jurby Airfield on a 250cc LC Yamaha. Finished 5th in the 2 hour Endurance race partnered by Gary Collins, our first race.

1989: Completed a full season at Jurby Airfield on the 250cc LC Yamaha and a CBX550 Honda, also competing on the Jurby South Road Circuit.

1990: Completed a full season at Jurby Airfield on the 250cc LC Yamaha and also raced in the Ramsey Road Races.

1991: Only competed occasionally due to work and family commitments.

1992: Competed in the Ramsey Road Races and the 2 hour Endurance Race at Jurby.

1994: Came out of 'semi' retirement to race at the end of season Club meeting run by the Andreas Racing Association at Jurby Airfield.

1996: Again came out of 'semi' retirement for one last race in the end of season 2 hour Endurance Race with John Harrison on a 250cc KR1S Kawasaki.

1999: Having toyed with the idea of racing again I was loaned the 250cc KR1S Kawasaki by John Harrison of Team JH Racing. I competed in two race meeting at Jurby Airfield, the fire was rekindled!

2000: For the first time in several years, I competed in most of the Andreas Racing Association club meetings at Jurby Airfield on the ZXR400 Kawasaki and the Team JH Racing KR1S Kawasaki. I also supported Stephen John and John Harrison on the ZXR400 Kawasaki at the TT and Manx Grand Prix Races. I had a steady season and improved my times each time out. The final race of the season was 2 hour Endurance Race run by Andreas Racing Association at Jurby Airfield where teamed up with John Harrison we finished 18th.

2001: This was a difficult season due to the difficulties caused by the Foot and Mouth crisis. During the season I completed in the UK and Ireland for the first time. We finished 9th in the NEMCRC and 17th in ARA 400cc Championships.

2002:This was a busy year and I competed at several circuits in the UK during the year. We raced at Elvington, both circuits, Carnaby 2, Ty Croes, Croft, Jurby, and Skerries during the season.

In September a 1963 CB77 Honda was purchased. On this I finished 3rd in the Auto 66 350 Classic Championship with wins in the last two rounds. On the Kawasaki I was 3rd in the 400cc Champion of Champions at Jurby.

2003: The main aim for 2003 was the Manx Grand Prix races where I competed in the Newcomers 400cc race and the Ultra-Lightweight MGP. I finished 15th in the Newcommers at 89.42mph and 50th in the Ultra-Lightweight at 88.64mph. My fastest lap was in the Newcomers race at 91.15mph.

I also competed at the Pre-TT Classic and Southern 100 meetings on the 350cc Honda and made my annual trip with both bikes to Skerries.

2004: A successful season with improved lap times at all the circuits I rode on. In the Ultra-Lightweight MGP we finished 43rd with a best lap at 96.40mph which was pleasing. On the CB77 Honda I finished second in the Pre-71 Class at Jurby.

2005: The season started well with a Trip to Croft to race in an NEMCRC meeting. Results there were quite encouraging, but the following weekend I was knocked off at Jurby Airfield, and this meant I missed a few of the early season meetings on the Kawasaki. The CB77 Honda was run at the Pre-TT Classic races, but it is not really competitive against the K4 Hondas and the like. It is unlikely that I will choose to race the Honda again. I ventured back to Jurby Road after 15 years and quite enjoyed the circuit. The Manx Grand Prix however turned into a bit of a disaster. Weather interruptions limited the practice time we had, and a suspension problem in the race meant that I did not better my times from 2004.

2006: Another season is nearly upon us. I will be racing in fewer events this year, concentrating mainly on Road racing as opposed to the short circuits. The main aim of the year will once again be the Manx Grand Prix in August where I hope to put behind me the disappointments of 2005. If funds permit, we may also take in some additional rounds later in the season.