Rory Parker Interview March 2023
Wemoto are sponsoring another Isle of Man born racer, Rory Parker...here's what he said...
Here's a bit of background, Rory used to mechanic for Dan Kneen and did wheel changes on his TT pitstops and helped Dan at the NW200. Rory dominated the ARA endurance for years, riding with Craig Neve and also rode with Dan in the 4 hour ARA season ender and won. He was an apprentice with Slick Performance too for a couple years.
We caught up with him recently to ask him about his racing career and history and here's what he said:
How old were you when you learned to ride a bike? Do you come from a motorcycle racing family and are they supportive of your racing?
I first started riding a little motocross bike when I was 11 or 12 years old. Both my parents ride bikes so I do come from a motorcycling family, but they don't race their bikes. They are both very supportive of my racing which is great and my Mum and Dad both help me with my bike when I race.
Why did you decide to start racing? Has your racing career been what you expected so far? What are your greatest successes?
I first started racing when I got to about 19 years old and I really fancied a change from motocross so I started circuit racing. I did ok in Thundersport GP1, finishing Third overall in the championship in 2021 with 12 podiums and in 2022 and also in 2019 on a Suzuki GSXR1000. I am currently aiming to do as many British Superstock rounds as I can - 7 or 8 and more if I can get the funds together. I plan to stick to circuit racing rather than heading into road racing.
What is your training regime? Do you go to the gym, have a special diet? How much and where do you practice?
I keep physically fit by going circuit training twice a week before work.
I practice on my bike by doing as many test days as I can at Jurby, our local circuit here on the Isle of Man.
Do you have any mental strategies to improve your performance or any superstitions before you race?
Well I have done a course on performance principles in racing run by Camino Coaching which I have found extremely helpful as it offers mental strategies to keep calm while preparing to race and during the race. It gives you techniques to cope with situations which might arise during racing so that you are ready for every eventuality.
What is your current race machine and are you happy with it? Do you have an all time favourite race bike?
My current bike is a Suzuki GSXR 1000 which is a great bike and I'm really happy with it. I wouldn't say I exactly have an all time favourite, but if I had to pick one I really like it was maybe the Honda RCV213VS moto GP inspired bike.
What is your motivation for racing? Do you just race to win or challenge yourself against the track?
A bit of both really, I want to keep improving mainly and winning is a bonus when it happens!
What does your team look like? Big or small? Do you do some of your own spannering on your race bikes?
My team is small it's really me and my Mum and Dad as mechanics and we do our own spannering.
How do you feel before you race?
It's a fine line between nerves and excitement really - all good fun.
Do you fund your racing by working as well out of season or does your sponsorship cover your racing costs?
I work to finance my racing but I'm currently trying to get more sponsorship. I am currently sponsored by Wemoto, The Pasta Hut, Prospero Mechanical & Electrical and Slick Performance and I'm very grateful for all their support.
What are your ambitions for this year?
My main aim is to get top 15 finishes in my races and score points.
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