The odd superstitions True Heroes Racing riders do before they take to the track

Photo by Ian Hopgood

We all have our set ways and routines of doing everyday activities, and if you’ve played sport at any level you will know just how easy it is to pick up superstitions after a great performance. 

Earlier this month, we caught up with the riders of True Heroes Racing to ask them if they themselves have any rituals they do before they take to the track, no matter how big or small they might be. This is what they told us. 

Phil Spencer, founder & team principal BSB:

“I always shake hands with all my riders in the awning before they go out for every session and before I head to the pits or grid. If it’s a race I do the same on the grid before we clear and the race starts.”

#44 Charlie White, British Supersport BSB:

Photo by Ian Hopgood

“I wear my lucky socks and check my tyre pressure about 10 times before I go out for a race.  No idea why, but if I don’t I just flap! I also keep a Crème Egg in the top of my toolbox for when I return to the garage.”

#50 Leon Wilton, British Supersport BSB:

Photo by Ian Hopgood

“I always mount the bike from the left, I’ll run around if I’m on the right and in a hurry, rather than mount from the right. Don’t know where it comes from, just always been that way.”

#74 Scott McFarlane, BMW F900R Cup BSB:

Photo by Ian Hopgood

“On the grid after the warm-up lap and whilst I’m waiting for the grid to reform and the red flag, I open my visor and wipe my lips with my glove. I have no idea why, I’ve just always done it and I’ll panic if I’m late doing it, never mind not doing it at all!”

#22 Dave Mackay, Grassroots programme manager and club rider NGRRC:

Photo by Ian Hopgood

“I’m not really superstitious, but I do have a routine of checking everything over one final time before jumping on the bike and leaving the awning. I suppose it’s something I’ve picked up from military service. Such as doing a final kit check before jumping out of a plane or leaping on a helicopter to go and do a job.”

#48 Chris Duggan, grassroots rider NGRRC:

Photo by Ian Hopgood

“I always set up in the garage in the same position in relation to my fellow team-mate Chris Jacketts. He’s always on the left of me and I set up on the right of him. Just doesn’t seem right if we try to set up any other way.”

#10 Chris Jacketts, club rider NGRRC:

“I don’t post any pictures on social media over a race weekend as the last time I did I ended up completely destroying the bike I was riding. So far since I stopped, it’s not happened and I hope to keep it that way.”

#47 Shaun Hill, club rider NGRRC:

“I don’t have an extensive racing career as I only started this year, but for some unknown reason I like to check the bike is in gear numerous times while on the grid. It doesn’t stop me from stalling like the best of them though.” 

The UK’s first disabled motorcycle racing team – True Heroes Racing

True Heroes Racing, the UK’s first motorcycle racing team dedicated to supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, are celebrating their 14th year on track. 

But these incredible individuals are not just setting an example while racing, they’re also helping to progress motorsport away from it too. 

The team races in some of the country’s biggest motorcycle competitions such as the British Superbike Superstock 1000 and the British Supersport Championship.

True Heroes also has a grassroots rider programme for UK Service personnel currently undergoing, or coming to the end of their rehabilitation process and offers them the chance to become a motorcycle racer for the first time. 

This proves their injuries or disability don’t have to limit what activities they can undertake, and provides a unique focus and new need for fitness for them as they near the end of their physical rehabilitation journey.

Fancy the thrill of the track?

Now you know about the wonderful work of True Heroes Racing, perhaps this has whet your appetite and you want to spend a day at a track yourself?  

With that in mind, it’s reassuring to know that as well as brilliant bespoke motorcycle insurance deals, Bikesure can organise special cover for track days at affordable and competitive rates. 
Call us on 0808 369 8580 or book a callback for a quote.