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05/04/2006 - Neil Tuxworth

Questions & Answers

Honda Racing manager Neil Tuxworth is one of the few motorcycle riders who's ridden in road-racing, motocross, sand racing, ice racing and speedway. He's managed Honda road-race teams for more than 15 years. Hear what he had to say when asked 10 questions recently.

10 answers from: Neil Tuxworth

How important is it for Honda to win the British Superbike Championship?: It’s important for Honda to win every championship they enter, regardless of what class it is or which year it is! We always want to win. We’ve obviously won more British championships than any other manufacturer in the last 20 years, but the main British Superbike title has eluded us.
How good are your riders and how far can they go in their careers?: Both are HM Plant riders are quite young, both are developing their skills and both have tremendous potential. I’m not sure what HRC’s plans are for Ryuichi Kiyonari, but I’m sure he will progress beyond BSB. Karl Harris on the other hand already has three British titles and I feel he is a rider capable of taking part in a World Championship series at the highest level.
You took part in many different disciplines in your racing career, MX, sand racing, ice racing, speedway, road-racing, what was your favourite?: I took part in many different two-wheel race disciplines, but my favourite was ice racing! For the same radius, an ice-race bike will be up to twice as fast as a road-race machine!
Do you miss being in the World Superbike paddock and running a team there?: I don’t miss being in the World Superbike paddock. I had around 11 years there, but I don?t miss the chain of hotels, airports and flying!
What’s given you a bigger buzz? Winning races yourself or winning races as a team manager?: Personally, winning a race as a rider gives you the biggest buzz, but there?s something wonderful about helping a team win a championship.
What’s been your greatest achievement as a team boss?: I think our greatest success was coming back from being more than 60 points down on Ducati and Troy Bayliss back in 2002 and winning the last nine races with Colin Edwards to take the title at that memorable final round in Imola. That proves big comebacks can be done.
What do you do to unwind from the pressures of your job as a team boss?: To unwind from the pressures of the job, I spend time with my wife. She has no interest in racing whatsoever! I also do some sand racing in the Winter and I love chess and collect chess sets. I love running so I also watch a lot of athletics.
Who is the best rider you’ve ever worked with?: John Kocinski was the most talented rider I have ever worked with. The most determined was Kurt Nicoll. He got more than was capable out of himself as he put in such an amazing amount of effort. The most enjoyable to work with was Colin Edwards, because he was such a fun guy and very easy going.
What’s the best thing about working for Honda?: The best thing about working for Honda is that they’re the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world which means they’re organised, structured and the quality of the products is second to none so we rarely have any reliability issues!
Describe yourself in five words: I’d say I was determined, organised, experienced, understanding and friendly.