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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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