Why did I start racing?

Anne, whom I later married, told me I was mad on the road and the safest place for me was on the racetrack. At least everybody is going in the same direction, there are medical staff in attendance, and you wear the best protective gear available.

Why did I become a Christian?

As a child I did go to Church and Sunday School as we were expected to in Northern Ireland in the late 1970's. Later as a teenager and going away from home to University, I walked away from the Church and anything religious. I felt self satisfied and happy with my life away from God. Half way through University I met Anne when I sold her a Honda 400-4. 1 had never met a girl so interested in bikes and seemingly unaffected by riding pillion on a Kawasaki GPZ11, despite all my efforts. She also created another impression — she was someone happy, fulfilled, focused on a life with Jesus Christ as its centre. This was more important than anything in her life, even motorbikes!

I was determined to go my way!

Despite Anne's efforts and visiting her church, I was determined to go my way. For the next few years my priorities were parties, drinking, friends, and motorbikes and studies. This was MY LIFE, but it did not bring me the fulfilment and happiness Anne had. On the night before the very last exam of my finals I asked Jesus to come into my life and forgive my sins. That was in 1965.

When did I start racing?

Two years later I bought a Motorcross bike to race in the Irish Championship, but I was too small and unfit, and I preferred to ride on the road anyway. Around the same time I met Uel Irwin of the CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) and I became a member.

I decided Motorcross was not for me. I asked God for direction and a second-hand Honda CBR600 appeared, just right for the new Regal 600 Super sport Championship. Three years of short circuit racing led almost inevitably in Ireland to road racing. My first road race was the Tandragee 100. I enjoyed the long flowing course, the speed, the jumps. This was a new challenge, which in turn led me to the Manx Grand Prix in 1992 and the Isle of Man TT a year later.

I know God has used my racing to further His Gospel message through radio interviews, television programmes, magazines, papers, church services, youth groups and my work. CMA on my leathers provides a constant witness of God's message of Love and Hope.

What Now?

I retired from racing in 2002 after fifteen seasons. I am now involved with the MCUI as a Race Instructor, with CMA events, and touring on my Aprilia Tuono.

In Ephesians 6 v.10-18 we are told, "Always be ready." God wants us to prepare for His race. Protect yourself from head to toe, just like putting on a helmet and leathers. "Accept God's salvation as your helmet." (verse 17). I once thought life for a Christian would be dull and boring - how wrong could I have been? God has been very good to me.