Thanks & Links

There are many individuals and companys that I owe a debt of gratitude to. Some are listed here, others are very personal, (but they know who they are). All are very special to me.

The list is proving to be longer than I'd first thought, please be patient, I'll complete it as soon as I can!

RACING

Sponsorship is a critical requirement for any sport, for motorsport it is life-blood. But when it is linked with outstanding people the relationship is a dream.

J W Car Radio, (now long gone). I have happy memories of Jeff Webber's hospitality and help down City Road in Cardiff. Jeff was my first 'sponsor'. Only he knows why... because I used to race against him! But his zest for life and the people he introduced me too were early inspirations. 

Len Manchester Motorcycles, (Arnold Fletcher). Arnie originally came to the rescue when I couldn't fathom a TZ350 Yamaha that I purchased in 1977 and needed help with. After a long visit to the shop in Melton Mowbray, and an even longer discussion, (some of it about bikes), we unwittingly formed a friendship that endures today.  
 
SDC Builders, (originally Survey Design & Construction of Bedford). Owners David Ledsom and Bob Reynolds were magnificent on every front... financial, professional, social and, most definately, personal!

Another gem in the murky pool of patronage is EBC Brakes. Based in Northampton, owner Andy Freeman has more drive than a grid full of motorcycles, and made a multi million pound business from zero. EBC Brakes now have bases all over the world.  
http://www.ebcbrakes.com/motorcycle_racing/road_racing/index.shtml
 
Particular thanks must also go to two of my long suffering race mechanics Graham Bell and Dave Arch. Both had a knack of dealing with difficult motorcycles and an even more difficult rider!
 

BROADCASTING

Just like any sport there is usually a great team behind the man or woman grabbing the glory, and that is never more pronounced than in television.

And they don't get any better than the teams of television production staff who have had [probably] a much milder version of Huewen to work with than those teams in my race days.

But without hesitation the two men I personally owe a debt of gratitude to are, Chris Carter (journalist  and broadcaster) for offering me the first opportunity to work alongside him in the commentary box on ITV, and the mercurial Martin Turner (senior producer, Sky Sports) for knocking the edges off a raw and awkward fledgling presenter. 

 
FANS

There's absolutely no doubt about it   -  bike fans are special.....

And I can honestly say that you were, and still are, much appreciated.

If I looked a bit serious on race day, or walked straight by, sorry.
And sorry also to anyone who banged on my caravan door and got a less than welcome look as I tried to un-stick leathers from skin after a recent, closer than planned, track inspection!

But if my manners are ever less than perfect while I work on TV....
well there's not much excuse, so slap me next time! 
Thanks for your support.
KH.


LINKS

Riders for Health: www.Riders.org

Speedway Photography: www.mike-patrick.com

Road Racing Photography: www.doublered.co.uk