Top Rider Performs at The Welbeck but No Parade Lap

2011 has I think been a generally very enjoyable festival, though liberally sprinkled with tragedy, challenging weather, occasional controversy but let's face it, it wouldn't TT without all the above.

As usual, staying at the Hotel, we had a vast array of differing characters and the very diversity of the race fan is one of the most interesting features.

This year, brought over on a wave of their strong currency and because of increased coverage due to the excellent North One television programmes and the sheer magnetism of stars such as Guy Martin, there has been a plethora of Aussies on the Island, including four times TT winner, Barry Smith.

Barry won the ultra lightweight 50cc race in 1968 and was world champion in the Formula 3 TT Class in 1979 anmd 1981. He also won three Grand Prix races and was 3rd in the 50cc world championships in 1968 & 1969.



Luckily for us, this year he has brought his wife and friends along with him this time round and although he was disappointed not to be given a ride in the parade lap, he still appears to have enjoyed himself.