‘I’ve had too many bike disasters to mention! It’s why I walk like John Wayne’
Steve Parrish, motorsport commentator and former motorcycle and truck racer takes us through his life in vehicles.
What was your first car/bike?
My first car was a very cheap Morris 1000. I rode bikes for years in fields, but my first road bike was a Yamaha YDS3 – a couple of weeks ago I found one and am restoring it.
What do you drive now?
I drive a Range Rover. I’m lucky that I can drive lots of classic bikes at different race tracks, such as Goodwood, Donington and Silverstone. But I do use my bike for travelling to the airport when flying commercially, as it’s great for parking.
Any car/bike disasters?
I’ve had a couple of minor car crashes, but too many bike disasters to mention! It’s why I walk like John Wayne. I broke lots of bones when I was racing.
Most interesting place you’ve ever driven?
It’s got to be the Isle of Man for the TT races. I first went in 1976, and continued for 10 years. I’m amazed I’m still alive! It was so exhilarating – 37 miles of sheer terror and excitement. I now cover it for TV, and recently covered the Classic TT for ITV4.
What is your dream car/bike?
I’ve been lucky enough to have driven Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the past – I can’t get out of them now, so favour a more practical off-road vehicle these days. I’d really like to drive the Bentley Bentayga – it’s an awesome SUV.
As far as bikes are concerned, my dream bike is the Suzuki RG500 – it dominated the 1976 500cc world championship with RG 500s taking 11 of the first 12 places in the premier class.
Top recommendation for safety on a bike?
First and foremost it’s to buy a proper helmet. Secondly, I’m seeing sales of airbag jackets increase – basically, the airbag is triggered if you fall off the bike. It really protects against internal injuries.
Motorcycling racing was two wheels, truck racing four wheels – similarities and differences?
Surprisingly, there’s quite a crossover as race craft comes into play whether it’s two or four wheels. I really gelled with truck racing as you have to drive smoothly and precisely, exactly like you do on two wheels, so I transferred those skills over.
Any race you wish you’d taken part in and didn’t?
I tried to get into the Paris-Dakar rally (now simply called The Dakar Rally), which is an off-road endurance test. I’d love to have tried that.
Who do you admire in the racing world and why?
I think Valentino Rossi was a real ambassador of the sport. Now I admire the current world motor GP champion Marc Marquez.
