2012 Isle of Man TT road races
Races and Racers come and go, but the lure of racing the Mountain against the Clock remains.
Every year Gordon Howell and the Pole Position Travel crew host their opening party for the Valencia Moto GP at the Novotel, and every year since 2007 they have also hosted a charity auction in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland on the night. Gordon, to my knowledge, has no affiliation to Down syndrome other than knowing me through my support of the organisation but we are very grateful for his on-going support and indeed we count ourselves lucky to have such a great ambassador in our corner! Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is dedicated to being the primary source of information and support to people with Down syndrome, their families and the professional community, working towards an improved quality of life for our members along with a respect and acceptance of people with Down syndrome as valued members of Irish Society.
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Me? Well I am the father of Robyn, a beautiful seven year old girl born with the condition and one who will be directly affected by your generosity. In Ireland and indeed across the globe, until recently children born with Down syndrome had a pretty bleak future with very little hope of an education or employment, thankfully due to the work of DSI and organisations like it around the globe, this is slowly changing. Robyn is now in her third year of main stream education in the same school as her two brothers and although her curriculum is adapted to her individual abilities she is thriving. No parent knows what lies ahead for their children whether they have a disability or not and as such we don’t know what’s around the corner for Robyn but we do hope that with an education she will have a good level of independence and proper meaningful employment.
Derek Clegg, the gent who took these stunning images, is a good friend of mine and one of the top names in road racing photography and every year Derek puts together a unique book for our auction. The book you now hold was shot at the 2012 Isle of Man TT Races, Derek’s own personal Mecca, and his images somehow manage to capture some of the magic and atmosphere that descend on that wee island for two weeks every year. The “Rock” is truly a Jecjkyll & Hyde experience during TT fortnight with its normal sleepy island existence sitting uncomfortably beside its testosterone fuelled guests, it’s an experience that has to experienced at least once in a life time, whether you choose to get blown away by the speeds at the bottom of Bray Hill, listen to the engine sounds reverberate through the narrow villages such as Kirkmichael, bask in the sun with a cold beer at the Creg-ny-Baa or watch McPint & Co. ‘grab some air’ at Ballaugh, the TT is truly unique and won’t disappoint. On behalf of DSI, its members and families, and indeed my family, I thank you profusely for your generosity in
purchasing this book, may it bring you great enjoyment. Aidan Lynam ( Robyn’s very proud dad. )
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Some of the many volunteer Marshals who give up their free time each year, in all weather conditions, for long hours to ensure that the World’s greatest road races take place. No such Weather problems here at Ginger Hall on the first night of timed practice.
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William Dunlop
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Michael Dunlop
Conor Cummins
Dan Stewart
Jamie Hamilton
Cameron Donald
James Hillier
Ryan Farquhar
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William Davison
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