Pete's connection with road racing started back in 1979 when 2 local racers called Doug Black and Chris Kilby, needed transport to the Carnaby Bonanza meeting and Pete gave them a lift, eventually helping them for 2 years. Over the following 11 years Pete mechaniced for another 5 riders, namely, Paul Clay Mick Seward Graham Sinton Martin Birkinshaw and Gary Thrush. In 1990 Pete had the, and I quote "crazy idea" to do the Manx himself. Having not actually raced before there was alot of work to be done. By "well after the closing date for Manx regs " in 1991 Pete got his National licence which was needed to enter the Manx . In the newcomers race he finished 10th, despite the bottom hose coming off on the 3rd lap and won his 1st replica. In the Lightweight race he finished in a very creditable 22 nd place , winning another replica and lapping at 102mph.