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Steve is one of the most approachable riders in the paddock, with his cheeky smile and contagious laugh he always makes time to stop for a picture or an autograph.
Although starting a racing career a little later than most, his achievements are truly outstanding, winner of the TT Senior race and Both races at the NW200 to name a few.
I spoke to the HM Plant Honda rider to find out a little more about his career and achievements.
1. What made you get into motorcycle racing at the age of 26?
I had been riding roadbikes for 3 years and had a go at the Honda race school at Cadwell Park in 1993. The instructors told me I should try racing, I also realised I was pushing my luck on the public roads and decided to sell my roadbike & have a go on circuit!
2. How did you feel when you were competing in your first race and then to go on and win it?
March 13th 1994 Cadwell Park Retford Club meeting was my first event. Very nervous and didn’t really know what to expect for sure, but settled in nicely on my CBR600. I went on to win the 1300 open race that day and for me it was like winning a GP.... awesome!
3. When did you decide that motorcycling was going to be your career and that you were going to race full time?
I first started purely for fun, having a few beers in the Clubhouse and enjoying racing next day with a good atmosphere. I Won club championship the first year still with no other intentions but fun and releasing my adrenalin on a circuit. The next year (95) I tried my hand at British Supersport, qualifying the first round at Donington 22nd which I couldn’t believe as I was going to be on the grid. By round-8 at Cadwell I was Pole and getting podiums.At the final round Honda & Pirelli approached me with my intentions for 1996, that’s when I realised maybe I could take this further & possibly even professionally!
4. 2009 was one of, if not your most successful years. Since you have been racing, winning the Senior TT race, The Supersport Championship and the NW200, what made it a special year for you ?
Firstly March 23rd was the birth of my second daughter, that’s a result on its own. With all that waiting, screaming & emotion it is a tough time, sure the wife helped a little, but I managed to get through it!!
Winning the Supersport Championship was very special after a hard fight and twice missing out years ago and also winning both races at the NW200, an event that’s very close to my heart.
Winning the Senior was the main result though, that really is the real deal especially with a new race record & the third fastest lap of all time behind John McGuiness & Cameron Donald in practice.
5. What do you like most about the TT and the NW200 events?
The only similarity between the two events is there both pure road race events. The NW200 is fun and a little more laid back, sure it’s a mass start so the races can be very hard fought and now there’s a lot of guys capable of winning!. The TT is obviously a race against the clock, you have to be very accurate, clinical to a certain degree and not try too hard. It’s very hard on raceday with no warm-up at all to just walk up to the main road, throw your leg over the bike and be on lap-record pace from the start to have any chance of a podium. It’s very mentally tiring, requires massive concentration and I have the highest respect for the Main man John McGuiness and every other competitor that’s trying to achieve his or her goals!
6. Do you have any specific routines or rituals that you complete before a race (like putting your left boot on 1st)
None at all, no superstitions!
7. How do you prepare for a race mentally?
Firstly I go through everything with my team, after all there just as important until the race starts. I run through my approach for the starts in my head & blockout any unnecessary distractions, whoever or whatever they may be.
8. Which race circuit do you like the most and why?
In the UK, Cadwell Park and Oulton Park are my favourites. Cadwell’s close to home, where it all started and the best atmosphere with the biggest crowd every year. Oulton’s also a very demanding circuit with a bit of everything, uphill, downhill, positive and negative cambers and a little unpredictability. There is no place to ride like the TT Mountain course though obviously on a closed road.... absolutely awesome!
9. How do you relax in between races and during your off season?
Not much time to relax these days, I work closely with Focused Events instructing on their European events one to one, many public appearances and various events to attend with sponsors. Catch up with friends and of course spend much time as possible with the family, hard enough keeping one female happy...... I now have three in the house!
10. What training do you do in preparation for the season, do you prepare differently to the road races as to the BSB Championship?
Fitness wise I train the same for both, mainly cardio work. Keeps my weight down and I always run as it’s a faster, harder workout than cycling then do light weights with a swim afterwards.
The TT for me also requires some work looking round the circuit etc looking at various sections I’m still not comfortable with and also if there have been any changes.
11. What are your thoughts about moving up to the Superstock class from winning the Supersport title last season?
I’m looking forward to competing a very very competitive Superstock class, something that will surely be a challenge and very important to Honda. I will have more motivation fighting a different championship!
12. What are you looking forward to most in 2010?
Carrying on the momentum from 2009 with HM Plant Honda, same crew and hopefully same results. There’s no feeling in the world like winning!
13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Probably not racing but not really sure what I will do after retiring. If I stay involved will have to be with a team with a structure to win, don’t think you ever lose the competitive streak!
14. How do you think people perceive you as a racer?
As a racer; if I retired tomorrow there’d be no regrets, pretty much achieved all my goals and proud of them, especially being a very good all rounder from British Championship, the roads and World Endurance. 2009 I podium’d BSB, BSS, World Endurance, NW200 & the TT on Dunlop, Pirelli & Michelin.
Steve would like to say a massive thanks to everybody involved with his 2009 success!!
Interview by Becci Stubbs www.girlracer.co.uk
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Very good read and insight to a rider thats achieved a lot in his racing career.
Keep up the good work and great interviews. :-)