RETRO RENEGADE
Hi guys, really enjoyed reading this latest edition, and having it available digitally is an excellent idea.
Just thought I would send you a couple of pics of my VTR 1000. Having visited Assen a number of times in the late ‘90s, the sound of those SP1/2s V-twins of Aaron Slight and Colin Edwards in those Castrol Honda Colours stuck in my head for years, and I said, ‘one day’. Well, I couldn’t stretch to an SP so got the next best thing, the VTR 1000 Firestorm. Initially bought it road-legal but really wanted it just for the track. The sound alone had me starting it up at home without even going anywhere, but the torque and rideability just puts a massive grin on my face. I've taken it to a number of circuits in the last 18 months, with Cadwell being the last, wondering what it would be like over the mountain. Unfortunately, I only had a short session having fun as with the track still damp under the trees at Barn, I decided to give the marshals some work to do. So, unable to finish the rest of the day but obviously looking forward to the next one, with everything all ready to go. Here’s a couple of pics from Mallory Park this year, having completed my dream by having some matching Castrol leathers made (albeit presently not quite as pristine as in the photos).
FB: Hi Ian, Pleased to have been able to reach you digitally, and thanks for sharing your memories of the World Superbike golden era. Those bikes sure did sound a treat and we can see why you’d have the urge to start your VTR at any given opportunity! We’ve all made that mistake at Cadwell – it’s very easily done in the damp… just a shame you had to scuff those beautiful leathers! We’re loving the tribute!