The new year has brought the College’s Automotive department a very exciting project. Pictured above is Chris Ganley’s R1 race bike. This year, Chris’ target is to reduce his overall lap time in order to gain his road racing license. In order to achieve this, he must increase his overall lap speed by 0.5mph. Once this has been achieved, he will be able to compete in events such as the North West 200 with the future target being set on the Isle of Mann TT.

While this would be a challenge for most people, Chris is achieving it despite losing his left arm in a motorcycle accident. The bike has already been modified to be ridden one handed, with the clutch lever being moved to underneath the front brake lever and a support being fitted to the tank.

Over the next few weeks and months, we will be supporting Chris by improving the bike. First on our list is to manufacture a new, bespoke tank-support to aid his cornering and manufacturing a new set of gear change linkages. This is with the help and support of our colleagues in the Engineering department.

In order to give Chris the best possible support and chance of success, we are looking for potential sponsors or donations of 2010 R1 Service kits for the engine and braking systems, as well as an oil sponsor for the season.

Any dealerships would also be able to have their logo/image on the bike. The bike would be available for promotional purposes.

If you are interested in following Chirs’ progress, please follow the College’s motorcycle team Facebook page. If you are interested in helping Chris then you can also message us through the page.

You can also view Chris’ progress so far on YouTube.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see a Somerset biker be the first one-armed racer to reach the TT!