Motorsport: Mackman taking mature approach to TT

May 30 2008 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

IAN Mackman knows he can’t afford to take any unnecessary risks when he tackles the world’s greatest and most dangerous motorcycle road race.

The 28-year-old, who is chief service manager at Bill Smith Motors in Boughton, has travelled to the Isle of Man to take part in his second TT.

He made a superb TT debut last year, winning the best newcomer award after averaging 119mph in his fastest run around the legendary street circuit.

But he is more than aware of the hazards presented by a race which has claimed the lives of six drivers in the last five years.

Ian said: “For TT veterans, 120mph is seen as a respectable time and to get close in my first year was fantastic.

“I learned from that experience and this year I am being patient. If you chase times around, you often get slower or make a mistake, which could be fatal.”

Ian, whose team manager is Bill Smith Motors parts manager James Powell, is running two bikes at the TT – a 1,000cc Suzuki and a Triumph 675.

The Suzuki is a former accident damaged bike which has been restored and is virtually new. But this week it developed an ignition problem which has affected his times.

He is racing in the senior, superbike, superstock and supersport categories.

As well as backing Runcorn-based Ian, Bill Smith Motors are also behind Northwich teacher Tim Poole and Argentinian duo David Paredes and Walter Cordoba.