Racer David triumphs in the Isle of Man

Jun 24 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

A RISING young motorbiker has been making a good impression in a place where they know a thing or two about the sport.

Welshman David Jones wowed crowds in motorcycling’s own magic kingdom, the Isle of Man.

“It was a brilliant experience and the track was completely different to the purpose-built circuits I’m used to,” said the 21-year-old from Colwyn Bay.

He was one of the five quickest newcomers at this year’s TT Races and is itching to return to the legendary 37-mile circuit of the island’s roads.

“You’ve just got to get used to how bumpy it is – it’s really severe – and it’s so long and sometimes you’re just holding on for dear life.”

When he is not haring around race tracks David has found the time to complete a business studies course at Llandrillo College. He also works for his father John’s Clwyd Heating company in Rhyl.

In his two Supersports Series races David finished 41st and 45th out of 82 riders but in the Supersports Cup for new riders he was fifth overall and the highest-placed on a Triumph bike.

His 675cc machine has a reputation for not liking the mountainous island course and the Michelin tyres he was testing were also not the choice of most.

David added: “We stuck with them and gave them a good workout and I’m sure that next time round it will be easier because we will know the set-up we need from the start.”

He went faster and faster round the island, clocking top speeds of over 160mph with a fastest lap of just over 21 minutes at an average speed of over 111mph.

His next outing will be back on the track at Mallory Park on Friday in the British Supersports Series where he lies fifth in the Cup after the first four meetings but he has already chalked up a win in the first race at Brands Hatch.

“I feel confident I can do well this year,” he said: “I finished ninth in the Cup last year and I’m a lot more experienced now, especially after racing in India during the winter so I am targeting first place in the Cup and feel it is well within my grasp.”