James successfully competed at both Le Mans 24 Hour Endurance race with Phase One Yamaha, and, the Northwest 200 in Northern Ireland. His progress this year is currently being serialised in “RIDE” magazine, a popular monthly bike magazine.
James did very well at the 24 Le Mans considering the very wet conditions. At one stage, the Phase One team were lying 5th and looked very strong for later in the race. However, bad luck played its part, as time was lost due to faulty parts failing. In addition, James Haydon made a habit of crashing, especially in the wet, so time repairing the bike following these crashes cost them dearly. James however, came out well, considering he is a ‘Road Racer’, his times in the wet were extraordinary, one of the fastest on track during the night! Russell Benny, Phase One Team Manager, along with the TV commentators gave high praise to James for his consistency throughout.
His successful stint at the Northwest 200 in Northern Ireland was covered in full colour in the July issue of “Ride” magazine. The event however, was marred by the death of the revered, Robert Dunlop, brother of the legendary Joey. Finishing 10th in the Superstock race was the highlight and made Keith Malyon’s visit to the race that much more enjoyable. Following his stint on the grid, helping James prepare for the race, he commented “this ranks as one of the best events of my life, I never believed I would ever get this close to racing” as 5000 watched what he was doing from the stands!
Following these two successful events, James sadly, took what is politely referred to as “a bit of a tumble” at the Isle of Man TT race back in May. The two things that usually spring to mind to the average person when thinking about the Isle of man TT race is the danger involved, and even more frightening, a gurning George Formby in the movie “No Limit”, breaking records at the race due to faulty brakes.
James’s accident came towards the end of his 5th practice lap on the first day of practice. James was looking good following a successful event at the NW200 and couldn’t wait to get the bikes dialled in for the TT. After clocking in excess of 124 mph, on his Yamaha R1, he was involved in an incident at Gorse Lea necessitating his removal to hospital with, amongst other damage, major compound fractures at the top and bottom of his right Humerus. He is, thankfully making a good recovery and is now receiving physiotherapy after having his upper arm rebuilt with titanium!
As of the middle of July, James is up and about again despite his injuries and is targeting a return for the Macau GP in November.
We also hope to have James visit our stand at the Cutting Edge Exhibition at Wicksteed Park in Kettering on Sunday 21st September.