Road racing legend takes helm at charity

Racing charity the TT Riders Association has appointed motorcycle racing legend Phillip McCallen as its new president.

During a career spanning 15 years, McCallen won numerous races at the Isle of Man TT, North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix, as well as victories in the British Supersport Championship. Not only did he take 11 TT wins, he is also the only person ever to win four races around the Mountain course in a week, in 1996. McCallen also took five wins from six starts at the 1992 NW200 and a staggering five wins in one day at the Ulster GP in 1996.

Now running a successful motorcycle business in Northern Ireland, McCallen has also taken on the challenging of leading the TT Riders Association. Quoted in the official newsletter of the TT, McCallen says he will be doing everything he can to help the organisation continue its important work.

"The work that the organisation does is a really important part of the TT itself and I'll be doing everything I can to help."

McCallen follows an impressive list of racers as president of the association, including Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Stanley Woods, John Surtees and Joey Dunlop.

The TT Riders Assocation, is a charity which provides financial support to injured riders and their dependants as well as looking after the comforts of the elderly and infirm. Membership is only open to former TT riders and the association currently boasts a membership list of more than 1,000.

TTRA secretary Frances Thorp said:

"We've got a president who is a real legend on the Isle of Man. Phil is a dedicated, enthusiastic and committed supporter of the TT and it's great to be working with him. He's already made an impact and I'm sure he'll do a fantastic job."