John always loved his motorbikes, and as a boy hero worshiped Tom Herron. He was lucky enough to have been taken to watch the races by Scott Herron from his home of Newcastle, Co Down. John did not start his own racing until the mature age of 27 in 1992. He started with MZs, cheap but fun! And after 19 meetings with the UK based Formula Lightweight Racing Club he managed a championship place of 24th of 78 riders. The following year saw an improvement to 9th place overall with his first win, twenty top 5 positions and a fastest lap in the rain. 1994 saw a change of machinery to a Honda 500cc four stroke single and a 1989 Honda RS125. Despite the uncompetitive nature of the 500 he managed two 3rd places at Cadwell Park and two more at Three Sisters, Wigan. The 125 saw a 3rd place at the 50 mile race at Snetterton and a 2nd at Pembrey despite being dwarfed by John’s 6’2’’ frame!