 Jonathan Rea is enjoying his return to the Isle of Man TT |
Twenty years after his dad Johnny won the Junior 250cc race at the Isle of Man TT, World Superbike ace Jonathan Rea has been lapping up the action at the famous road races this week. The 22-year-old, who currently lies fourth in the global series, is enjoying a break from his racing schedule and has travelled to the island for the first time since 2000. "I've not been at the TT since I was 11 or 12 years old and in those days I was more interested in eating ice cream than the racing," said the Ballyclare lad. "I'd forgotten what it's like but it's really mega and I've enjoyed coming over to soak up the atmosphere. "The weather really makes it and after a bad start on Saturday, we've had some good races and the riders are definitely in the groove by now." The Rea family have a rich heritage at the TT, with Jonathan's grandfather John sponsoring the legendary Joey Dunlop for his first TT success.  | All the spectators are so close to the action - it's a real buzz. |
"I know Granda backed Joey a lot during the early part of his career and then my father won that race in 1989. "My dad's back on the island this year too and is enjoying reliving some happy memories. "Road racing is where motorcycle racing was born really and it's good to come back to the grassroots and see what it's all about." Rea has enjoyed watching the spectacle of the races, but has also been supporting and helping his good friend, Scotsman Keith Amor. "Things didn't go according to plan for Keith in the Superbike race but he got on the podium in the first Supersport race and then got another podium so I'm really chuffed for him. "This kind of racing is completely different to what I do but these guys are hugely talented and also have the bravery to take the risks that are inherent in road racing. "The course is almost 40 miles long, with an endless number of corners and bends, and these guys do it at an unbelievable speed. I have so much respect for them."  Scottish rider Keith Amor is getting the support of Rea on the island |
The former World Supersport runner-up added that the whole racing scene on the island was very different to that of a World Superbike paddock. "It's not like World Superbike at all as so many fans are condensed into one area on the short circuits while in the Isle of Man they are spread all over the circuit and in different parts of the island. "No matter what village or town you go to, it's going to be packed full of people and all the spectators are so close to the action - it's a real buzz." The HannSpree Ten Kate Honda ace was on hand to meet world champion Valentino Rossi on his visit to the island on Monday and would welcome the chance to lock horns with the legendary Italian on the track. "It would be nice to race against Valentino one day, especially on equal machinery as he's a factory supported rider. "I'm not sure that he's too worried about me though and by the time I hopefully reach that level, he may have left MotoGP to race on four wheels. "It's nice that the TT can attract a big name like that and it's cool that he was here."
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