ROD NORTH

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PS. Hi Rod, how are you and what are you up to these days?

RN. I am fine thanks, i am still running the family quarry business here in Australia.

PS. What is your happiest memory as a Stoke Potter?

RN. I liked all of my time spent with the Stoke Potters really.

PS. Do you stay in touch with any of your old team mates?

RN. I don’t see any of the riders or keep in touch, but i do keep in touch with Dai and Trish Evans.

PS. 1982 was your best season, why did you not return in 83?

RN. The reason I did’nt return for racing was that Dad wanted me to look after the quarries.

PS. 1982 was a bad year for injuries for Stoke, do you recall your injury at Exeter?

RN. Yes but its all ok now, I went to Exeter last year to see the remains of the old track.

PS. How did you rate the Loomer Rd track?

RN. It was a very good track and fair for everyone, it was especially good when it
had dirt on it.

PS. Your son Dakota has taken up the sport, when will he be ready to come to England?

RN. Dakota will be over in June this year(09) to have a few slides.

PS. When did you retire from racing?

RN. At the end of the 1982 season.

PS. Any regrets from your time in the sport?

RN. I really would have liked to have kept racing in the UK.

PS. What was the highlight from your career?

RN. I’m not sure, too old to remember!

PS. Will you be visiting Stoke to see any racing when you are next in the UK?

RN. If Dakotas racing takes us there then yea sure.

PS. What was your favourite ‘away’ track?

RN. I liked all tracks especially when they were deep with dirt.

PS. The Australian production line of youngsters appears never ending, have you
a tip for the top?

RN. Darcy Ward and keep an eye out for Arthur Sissis, he’s only 13.

PS. Who was the best rider you raced against?

RN. Probably Phil Crump, I admired him the most.

PS. Have you ridden a laydown bike and if so how did you find it compared
to the old uprights?

RN. I've putted around on one, nothing serious!

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With thanks to Rod North AND also Trevor Harding without him this Q&A
wouldn't have been possible. vsra.homestead.com

PS.PP 15/5/09.