Motorcycling: It's old hat for Hislop

BRITISH Superbike champion Steve Hislop is out to prove that age counts for nothing in bike racing.

The 41-year-old Scot's reward for winning the title last year was being sacked by MonsterMob team boss Paul Bird on the grounds that the rider who posted eight wins on his way to the top was too old to fulfil future plans.

Hislop, who pondered options that included an offer of a place in a MotoGP team, is now back with Yamaha after answering a plea from Rob McElnea, manager of the Virgin Mobile-backed squad.

Hislop said: "It's ironic really, because two years ago Rob turned me down when I pleaded with him for a place in the team and now he's come to me. The big difference is that I have accepted."

The challenge now facing the Isle of Man-based rider is to retain the crown he won on a race- bred Ducati with a production-based R1 Yamaha that has been transformed into a race bike.

McElnea, a former British champion, thinks the chances of his new signing making it are "realistic."

McElnea said: "He's enthusiastic, aggressive on a bike and one of the old school of racers. He's up for it, make no mistake."

Hizzy was impressed with the speed of the R1 when he had his first test ride at Snetterton a few weeks ago. "In fact, everything was going very well until I crashed, landed on my head and knocked myself out," he added.

And Hislop wants to remain on good terms with MonsterMob boss Bird. He said: "I bear no grudge whatsoever against Birdy. All I'm out to prove is there is still life in the old dog yet."

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