TT Races: Harrison aiming to be on the money in race for No 1 spot (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Isle of Man TT Races: Conrad Harrison aiming to be on the money in race for No 1 spot

6:40pm Thursday 31st May 2012 in Motor Bikes By Sports Desk

Bradford’s Conrad Harrison admits after a winter splashing the cash it is high time he made the transition from Tourist Trophy nearly-man into an Isle of Man winner.

The 48-year-old sidecar driver has been the Mr Consistent of the TT paddock for the last two years, picking up three podium finishes from the four available races.

However, while he has got used to the taste of the TT champagne, a pair of third places and a solitary second has not yet fulfilled his desire to write his name into the event’s folklore as a winner.

As a result Harrison got his cheque book out in the off-season – a move he’s now hoping will deliver the much-coveted debut win, and a little bit more fame – on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

“The aim is the same as always, to end up in the parking bay where the guys on the podium go when the race ends,” said Harrison.

“I have had some good results over the past few years and it would be nice to carry that on. I have spent a lot of money this year and so hopefully that can help me get some good results and try and get that first win.

“I am going to be quite honest; I’m trying to win it.

“When you have been doing it for as long as I have it feels like you are just driving to the shops when you are riding around there but I just hope I can have a good year.

“I’d be over the moon to win one. It’s rubbish the people who say they don’t like the recognition of being on the podium and the attention you get.”

But, while it is a win that is dominating Harrison’s thoughts ahead of the first sidecar race tomorrow, he admits he’d sacrifice his entire week’s goals just for his son Dean to emerge unscathed.

Dean will race in the solos for the second time this year and, while acknowledging he can’t stop him, Harrison senior added: “I tell you what, if I broke down in both races and he came back in one piece then I’d be happy. It’s horrible, I don’t like it at all but I understand why he does it.”

* The 2012 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy will be shown every evening, usually at 9pm, on ITV4 to June 11. For more information on the event and for live Radio TT commentary and live timings as well as the full ITV4 schedule go to www.iomtt.com