CHALKY ON WORKING WITH T HE CONNEELY B ROS

They are all champion riders but how do the three brothers differ from the tuner’s point of view? Paul has a word with Chalky to find out….

SC: What were the differences between the three brothers from your point of view?

Chalky: Bert was the diva! He milked the sponsorship for all it was worth, but he was a clever rider who always did the business at the right time.

Steve had tried for so long that he had lost some belief that he could do it. I used to always bolster his confidence with positives before he rode. He tended to show his hand too early in a race, but once I’d nagged him into getting fitter and getting his head down he became the real deal!

Darren was always quick, but once I gave him the best engine there’s no stopping him. He moans about the Group 6 but then goes out and breaks the lap record! Although quiet and humble off the bike, inside is an iron will that wants to succeed. He is the silent assassin!

SC: I always found Bert was the most laid back – asleep 10 minutes before he races then he comes out and wins…!

Chalky: Bert always thought Steve had more engine! But they were always as close as possible! Darren always had the least power in the early days. Bert usually had travelled miles to race, hence the kipping!

SC: How do they vary from a feedback point of view ?

Chalky: They were all great technically with feedback, even Bert! They all knew how they wanted the bikes set up, Bert and Steve are quite detailed, Darren is not as fussy! They can all adapt to anything though.

SC: The obvious question…. Who would win a race if they were all on identical machinery?

Chalky: They all think they would win! Darren, Bert, and Steve. Steve was the king of three Sisters though!

SC: Anything else to add? Chalky: Yeah, they’d have won bugger all without my engines! Lol.