A motorbike fanatic who got his first machine aged just 13 has lived his dream and won at the Isle of Man TT Races.
Rob Mitchel-Hill, 49, from Rainow, has returned victorious from the motorcycle races which are considered some of the most prestigious in the world. He set a new record against hundreds of competitors in the Pre-TT Classic road races which act as the curtain raiser for the Billown mountain circuit and feature classic bikes made before 1992.
It was a dream come true for the plumbing and heating engineer and dad of two who got his first bike aged 13 and has honed his riding over the years on the roads of Macclesfield.
And the petrol-head never grew tired of his bike, getting involved in endurance racing across the country on 50cc bikes with his Macclesfield friends as part of Team Groggy. It was at the Isle of Man races in 1999 that Rob decided to return one day and compete.
Rob is a grandad of three who is married to Elaine, 49, and dad of two. He said: “I love the Billown circuit and the Pre-TT meeting in particular. The camaraderie is second to none and it runs like clockwork. It was fantastic to see Castletown main square buzzing for the presentation giving. I can’t wait to be back at the Billown again. I always wished that I’d raced when I was younger but I had family commitments and just didn’t have the time or the money.
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"I thought the time had passed me by until in a moment of clarity while watching the TT on the Isle of Man over 10 years ago I decided that I’d do everything in my power to make it a reality and to live my dream. It’s taken time, focus, dedication, money, resources and the love and support of my wife and family to make it happen.
“I absolutely love road racing. I live more in those short moments than some people live in a life time. Time is suspended. It’s me, my bike and the road. There nothing else, no time for any other thoughts. Nothing other than my next marker in my vision.”
Elaine, Rob’s wife said she is proud of her husband.
She said: “He’d be the first to say that he’s no spring chicken and no racing snake, but I absolutely love the fact he’s focused on being the very best he can be. This win means a great deal to him.”
Rob is looking for sponsorship and asks people to call him on 07973 336271.
