Ron wins esteemed Spirit of Manx award
A LOUGHBOROUGH motorcycle-enthusiast, whose son was killed while competing in the Isle of Man TT, has been given an esteemed award.
Ron Soar, (65), of Station Road, Loughborough, said he was “gobsmacked” when he discovered he was the recipient of 2017 Spirit of the Manx Award.
The owner of R.S Autosparks told the Echo the award is given annually for sportsmanship, endeavour and commitment.
Ron, who was presented with the John Goodall Trophy and an accompanying glass tankard by the Manx Grand Prix Rider’s Association during a presentation at the Villa Marina, told the Echo: “It all came as an absolute shock.
“There were a couple of thousand people there and a long table of trophies.
“They got talking about the John Goodall Spirit of the Manx trophy, and then they said my name, from Loughborough. I was gobsmacked.”
Ron has been going to the Isle of Man to watch the races since 1972 and decided to have a go at competing himself in the late 80s.
He competed in the Manx Grand Prix in 2002 and has been racing more or less every year since.
His son Andrew also had a passion for the sport and won the Manx Grand Prix as a Newcomer and then the Senior Manx Grand Prix in 2014.
Andrew progressed to compete in the TT where he was involved in a fatal accident in 2016.
In memory of his son, Ron has carried on racing on the TT course and finished 34th in this year’s Lightweight Race.
He told the Echo: “It is a bit of a tribute to my son me racing, he would have kicked my butt if I didn’t carry on.
“I love the sport but unfortunately things like this happen at times, but you can’t stop doing what you do. It’s a difficult one to explain to anyone, it’s just in your blood.”
Ron continued: “I do feel really blessed and honoured to get the award.
“It’s absolutely incredible that I have got it.
“And what a tribute to my son as well.”