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14.6.10 Paul Dobbs’ Family Statement.
While we are all devastated by Dobsy’s death during the 2nd Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT on Thursday 10 June 2010, I feel that we are lucky in so many ways. Dobsy died doing what he most loved, in a place he loved and felt at home and surrounded by people he loved and admired. He died instantly and felt no pain. He had no knowledge of his end but was fully focussed on the bike and the race.
After making a hard decision and missing the TT last year, I am thankful that I was here at this tragic time. We have been wholeheartedly supported by the whole racing community in both a professional and personal way. We held nothing back in pursuing Dobsy’s racing and so I need regret nothing. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched by the TT and the Isle of Man.
I would like to thank Bruce Anstey who had Dobsy in his thoughts even in his moment of glory after the Senior TT. I would especially like to thank Paul Owen. Paul was perhaps Dobsy’s greatest rival and friend at the TT. They were very evenly matched and Dobsy measured his performance against Paul’s. They invariably got together soon after a practice or race to share their experiences. Paul’s selfless and big hearted action on Thursday moves me beyond words. Without hesitation, he did everything in his power to try to help Dobsy. Paul truly embodies the spirit of the TT and I wish the award could be named after him for posterity.
This is a difficult time for Dobsy’s mother, Dawn. I hope that she can overcome and put aside her hurting. She helped to make Dobsy what he was and she should be very proud. Dobsy’s daughters, Eadlin and Hillberry, are two very special people. They have lived an honest and unsheltered life and I know they both understand exactly what this means. They will miss their Dad terribly and there will be some hard times over the coming weeks, months and years.
But I also know that they have been shaped by having Dobsy in their lives and they are all the stronger, smarter and braver for that. He really spoilt my week but he has brought infinite joy, adventure and fun to our lives. He has energised and inspired. He will live forever in our esteem, our thoughts and our hearts.
8.3.10 Chris Palmer plans a return to the 2010 Manx Grand Prix riding a Fred Walmsley built AJS 7R for Mark Parrett's regular sponsor, Ian Garbutt of Ripley Land. Chris also plans an outing on a 250 Yamaha in the Manx Post Classic race.

Chris Palmer picture courtesy of manxphotosonline.com
14.2.10 Tilmann
Runck. After 2007
I will try to compete in 2010's MGP on my G50 and - if all goes
to the plan- also on a 400.

9.2.10 Tim
Devlin. Well the big
SP2 has gone and has been replaced with a CBR600rr (2006) - sorry
to all those who loved to see (and hear) her thundering round.
The decision was not an easy one but each year has been plagued
by bad weather, delay or cancellations and all that work etc!
So a 600 allows me to compete in the Junior and Senior.
The bike is still looked after by Roger Ditchfield (Revolution)
and by all accounts is a good one! If you want to see and hear
the SP2 it is being ridden by a chap called Scott in the Sound
of Thunder. So here's hoping for a sun
drenched MGP 20210. Cheers,
Tim

30.1.10 Ollie
Linsdell has announced
recently that he plans to return to compete in the 2010 Manx
Grand Prix.
30.1.10. For the first time in his
career Mark
Buckley will
be competing in the Manx GP aboard a brand new Suzuki XR69 F1
works replica. This years programme will see Buckley race at
a whole host of different events including Scarborough, Southern
100, Aberdare Park, Manx GP and many more with the emphasis being
on the 3 Internationals.
24.1.10 Keith Heckles.

Mike Steel (right) and Keith
Heckles with the Junior Beart Norton on which
Keith finished second in the 1966 Junior MGP
Very sad to report that 1967 Manx
Grand Prix lap record holder, Keith Heckles has died. Keith passed
away peacefully at his home in Liverpool. He was 75 years old.
A past vice chairman of the Riders' Association, Keith's best finish
in the MGP was second. Moving on to the TT, he famously started
with Giacomo Agostini on two occasions.
Keith's funeral will take place on Tuesday 2nd February, 10.30am
at Springwood Crematorium, Garston, Liverpool. Donations in lieu
of flowers to the TTRA.
Post your memory of Keith by clicking
here...
Barry Wood: Very sad, keith was one of the finest
riders to NEVER win a Manx.
Terry Holmes. Chairman TTMA: R.I.P.Keith
you where a true gent and great rider.
Reiner Trockel. Our personally
condolences to Keith Heckles family from my brother Jochen
Trockel and me (Reiner Trockel) and our friends / pit crew Christiane
Rohwer and Roman Rolke.
Les Trotter. Sad to hear that,just
finished reading the big spread they gave him in Classic Racer
recently. Keith was one of the old school who used to enjoy fun
with his racing..doesn`t seem to happen with the young ones these
days .
Bob Peck. Keith was a good friend
and a loyal supporter of the TT&MGP
Races and will be sadly missed at all the event's he entered
throughout his Riding Career .The Pubs in Douglas wont be the
same during the TT or MGP without Keith's stories over a Pint
of Okells. RIP Keith
Michael Steel. Keith Heckles a close
friend for 30 years. Keith's long association with the Beart
Norton brought us together following my then ownership of the
Junior machine, on which he secured 2nd position in the 1966
M.G.P. Keith will be a loss to many & to the sport.
Paul-Andy
Gimbert. Keith will be
a loss to many & to the sport. R.I.P Keith.
Nick Jefferies. Keith Heckles’ passing
is a devastating loss to the classic motor cycle fraternity.
Keith was a smashing bloke, incredibly modest, sincere, and entertaining.
I am thankful that I knew him, and like many others I shall miss
his friendship, and warm personality. Life will be a poorer place
without him.
Barry Lindley. Sadly Missed by his
contempories particularly, but everyone who remembers him.............RIP
Keith.
Tom Loughbridge. 1966 was my first
race in the Manx and I remember his silky smooth style. Last
saw Keith with Frank Steele and Steve Murray at a CMRCRC dinner
about ten years ago. A great rider and a true sportsman and gentleman.
My condolences to his family.
Sadly missed.
Frances Thorp.
Secretary TTRA. The TTRA Committee and Members are sorry to learn
of the passing of Keith. A true gentleman and sportsman who will
be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his
family. Frances.
Graham Gardiner. Race Commentator.
I was very very sad with the news of Keith heckles passing
from Colin Steele,a past rider and friend of mine and Keith and
his family on the day of his passing.
Keith was a brilliant racer,and for me too which was important
a lovely gentleman whom would give anyone his time and help,and
personally always had lots of time for me and would give a great
interview and he puts on a fantastic social evening each off
season which I was always invited and attended along with lots
of his other friends from the motorcycle world held in his home
city of Liverpool .
The motorcycle world has lost a fine rider and a real gent of
the sport. Garry Gardiner.
Bill Hawthorne. I find it hard to believe Keith has gone, he has been the evergreen of our sport, and an excellent ambassador for many years, and only recently I commented on his dedication and enthusiasm which never wavered, I don't think I know of anybody who spent more time in racing leathers.
Bill (Ginger) Hawthorne
Michael.P.R.Stephenson. I used to see Keith at Aintree, and wander down memory lane with him. I used throw in a few names from the old days, and Keith had always a fund of stories to tell. I'll be looking for him at Country Corner again. A great rider, an enthusiast, and a gentleman of becoming modesty.

Maria
Costello MBE and new sponsor Steve
Wheatman, engineer John Sims and
a Suzuki XR69 similar to the one she will race in the
2010 Senior Post Classic Manx Grand Prix
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