Jim Hodson

 

Gentleman Jim

 

 

 
Most riders on the Northern circuits will acknowledge the achievements of Jim Hodson over the past years. Championships galore and a second place in the 2002 Lightweight TT are just a sample of the successes the Wigan mechanic has enjoyed. Moreover, he has been one of the select band of riders asked to represent his fellow competitors in the Isle of Man during the TT period. A rider of more than twenty years experience, there is very little Jim hasn't seen of the sport, having competed at all levels both in UK, on the continent and in Ireland. He has brought to the sport a distinctive style of riding and a talent on the roads which is born out by his results. A no-nonsense straight talker, the urrent changes in the TT format find little favour in his eyes; a little more imagination and variety in the race programme would please him more. Talking of the possible first 100mph lap at Aintree, he didn't think the use of slicks would be necessarily all that great an advantage, given the quality of modern profiled tyres. He was clear on one point; when asked who he thought would be champion at Aintree this year he naturally regarded himself as the leading contender! Of all the circuits he has ridden on, apart from the Isle of Man, Brands remains a firm favourite of his. Oulton Park saw the one serious crash, breaking both arms and a leg at Druids some years ago.

This year Jim will be contesting 7 rounds of the BSB as well as the NEMCRC Championship, Darley and Aintree. He is sponsored by Jennings Race Products. Although he says the appearance of his two boys on the circuits ‘has nothing to do with him' and that he wished they wouldn't race and join the sadly addicted rest of us, it is apparent he takes much pleasure in seeing the family traditions maintained.

Fastrackimages wishes this hugely talented and decent guy all the best for 2005.