Motorsport: Colwyn Bay rider shines in the Isle of Man

Jun 24 2010 By Dave Jones

RISING young Welshman David Jones has made an impression in motorbike racing’s own magic kingdom – the Isle of Man.

The 21-year-old from Colwyn Bay 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.

David, who has just completed a business studies course at Llandrillo College and who works for his father John’s Clwyd Heating company in Rhyl, said: “It was a brilliant experience and the track was completely different to the purpose-built circuits I’m used to.

“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.”

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 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 but he said: “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 is sponsored by North East Wales law firm Cyril Jones and Co and company partner Gareth Kelly said: “David is one of the best young riders in the UK and the highest-rated young Welshman so it’s great to be able to back him.

“I have had to appear in court apologising for clients speeding but I make no apologies for David and I’m sure he’s going to get faster and faster.”
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 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.”