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Kirkwood is One to Watch
The growth of CB500 racing in Scotland in the last few years has spawned a great deal of diversity and talent. It is always good to speak with a rider who is new to the class. Andrew has been making really steady progress this year and one thing that I certainly notice is how well his equipment and bikes are turned out. He is also one of the good guys and is incredibly willing to help his fellow competitor. One rider to watch next season when the gloves are off.
Rider: Andrew Kirkwood
Having tasted the CB500 series, what would be your favourite race, venue and why?
My favourite race venue would have to be Knockhill, I think it’s the blind drop down into Duffus, when you hit it just right it’s the best feeling ever! The same goes for the chicane. I could ride round all day. No massive straights either which really help on the CB!
Who in your opinion are the best riders you have been locking horns and elbows with this year, not only on the track but the way they were off track?
One of the best riders I have been battling this year is the person I always seem to end up battling, Scott Young! Very persistent, He never gives up and just when you think he’s gone you can start to see the black wheel appear out of the corner of your eye as he makes a dive for the inside line. I have also had some good battles with the likes of Ross and Allan Mcleary, Raymond Reid and my Uncle Alan Taylor. Never had to lock Horns with anyone off track this year or last year for a matter of fact! Which I think is testimony to the CB class as it just proves how great the camaraderie is within the series.
When you were growing up, were motorcycles prevalent in your early years, and did you have any racing heroes?
I have always had motorcycles throughout my life with have had a few motocross bikes when I was younger even if I didn’t go on them very often I enjoyed looking at them in the garage whenever I wasn’t on them ! As well as this my Dad and Uncle have always had road bikes which I would quite often ride pillion on. Someone who loved to watched racing when I was growing up is the same who most people have watched racing for years now, Valentino Rossi, I’m not sure if I would say he was my hero but he is definitely someone I admire just for his determination and Skill on a motorcycle.
What are you looking forward to most for the new national class of racing in 2018?
Mostly, I am looking forward to getting back out on track with more Cb’s than ever! it would be so great if we could get our own full grid with lots of fast close racing. I’m also excited about getting points from both Knockhill and East Fortune as I’m hoping my slightly better performance at Knockhill will help boost me up the points table a tad.
If your house was burning itself to the ground, what material possession would you run back in and retrieve?
I don’t think there is specific thing I would run back in for. It would probably be something along the lines of my car keys or my phone if it wasn’t already on my person.
More at home at Knockhill, Andrew still turns on the style at East Fortune
Away from the race track describe your perfect day?
Away from the track I like to tinker, whether it is on my car, bikes or even just with the computer. My perfect day would probably have to start with that after a slightly long lie in bed. After some tinkering I would go back inside and relax a little before ordering a BBQ pizza for dinner. I might play a game on my computer before going back to bed to watch a good movie!
If you could meet one person living or dead for a dinner, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone for dinner I think it would have to be Marc Marquez. I reckon he would be fun to spend an evening with and even better for tips on how to ride at the limit.
Andrew reckons Marc could pass on some tips to him for next season, perhaps we should invite him to East Fortune for a shot on a CB500
Is your glass half empty or half full?
Half Full
If you were not racing, what do you think you would be doing for kicks?
If I were not racing I think I would be spending most of my time modifying my car or building computers.
What is your most embarrassing moment, and to juxtapose this, what is your proudest most triumphant moment?
Most embarrassing thing has got to be not putting fuel in your Bike! Most triumphant still has to be getting my wee trophy at Knockhill.
What is on in your iPod, mp3, CD player or even your stereo at the moment?
My Favourite song right now either has to be Cinderella Man or Kings Never die by Eminem, When I haven’t been playing these two to death I have been listening to the new Foo Fighters album Concrete and Gold.
And finally, describe yourself in four words!
Funny, Friendly, Helpful, Grounded
FAST FACTS
Full Name: Andrew Graeme Kirkwood
Nickname: Snugs
Status: Happy
Date of Birth: 09/07/96
Place of Birth: Glasgow
Residence: Cumbernauld
Hobbies: Computers, Games, Bikes, Cars, Fixing Stuff
Dream: To be a Race engineer in a world series, preferably Motogp
First Race: East fortune April 2016
Best race in 2017: Knockhill May , Getting 3rd place
SPONSORS: Protecht Cleaning and Support Services