Eddie Sinton
BY ROBERT SINTON
Eddie's interest in motor cycling began when he was thirteen, when he started off in the school boy Moto Cross. He continued through the ranks, having great tussles with such people as the McClelland brothers, the Bailey brothers and of course the Dynes brothers (Gary and Evan). He progressed to the men's division, eventually making Grade 'A' before a recurring knee injury forced him to retire.At this time he started going to Road Racing with his friend Melvin Richardson, and the motorcycling bug was rekindled.
In 1989 he purchased his first road racing machine, a TZ350 and set about learning his trade on the short circuits. It was at this stage that I started to go along, having had little or no interest in the motorcycling scene. Every short circuit was contested in order to fulfill the next part of his ambition - Road Racing.For 1990 the TZ350 was updated and we were set to compete in the newcomers race at the Cookstown race. Eddie's intention was to try the roads and then make his own mind up regarding where he should race. A top six result, finishing just behind Gary Dynes, left Eddie in no doubt that his future lay with the roads. The rest of the season was spent learning the road scene throughout Ireland and by the end of the season, Eddie felt confident enough to quit the support scene in favor of the National 250/350 races.
1991 brought a new machine, another TZ350 previously owned by Dennis McCullough, who was to become Eddie's best friend over the years. However, it was a season to forget as the ageing 350 proved unreliable. It left Eddie (and Me!!) thinking of retirement, as funds were swallowed quicker than we could raise them. However, the racing bug was still active and when CBR600 became available, it became the mount for 1992.1992 was a learning curve also. The CAR was basically a standard bike, competing against tuned machinery, but at least it was reliable. Top ten finishes throughout the season proved that Eddie had adapted to the new class. During this year we developed a good friendship with Leslie Caster and his crew, so much so, that when Leslie decided to retire at the end of 1992, his mechanic, Gordon Moore, bought his 600 Yamaha and offered it to Eddie for the 1993 season.The use of a competitive bike left Eddie full of confidence for 1993.
As with most Irish Road Racers, the Isle Of Man beckoned, and plans were made to contest the Manx Grand Prix. Good results followed in 1993, with Eddie having a string of top ten finishes, the most memorable being a 4th and 5th at Bishops court, and a 6th at the Temple. We set off for the Manx, where Eddie's only ambition was to achieve a 100mph lap. He didn't want to set his sights too high, as he knew and respected the dangers the Isle Of Man posed. His ambition was achieved on the first night, thanks to meticulous preparation and willingness to learn the course. During the winter months, every Sunday night was spent in my house watching the lap with Joey, swaying from side to side on the settee, with Eddie calling out the names of the corners as we approached them. By the end of August I think I might have been capable of 100mph 'Myself!!' For the record, Eddie finished 4th in the Newcomers race, won by Marc Flynn, with a fastest lap of 106.3mph. He was delighted with his result, and his pit stop left me with an experience and buzz I haven't felt since. His next race was Friday's senior race, and when the much fancied Chris Richardson was reported as having caught Eddie at Ramsay, it didn't came as much of a surprise. What did surprise everyone was the sight of Eddie and Chris crossing the line at the end of lap 1 side by side, giving Eddie a lap of 108.8mph from a standing start. However, it was not to last, as the 600 Yamaha cried enough with a blown head casket at Glen Helen. Overall it was a great trip with memories which will last forever.For the 1994 season, Eddie, along with good friend Gordon Moore, purchased a 600 Honda for the Regal Series. Another trip to the Manx was planned and early season results were encouraging. Eddie was now regarded as a top 600 rider and was regularly finishing in the top five. For the Manx we had the use of a 750 Kawasaki, courtesy of Tim Leech. Eddie finished 8th in the Junior race with a fastest lap of 109.21mph and 11th place in the Senior on the uncomfortable Kawasaki. However, 1994 was sadly remembered for the loss of our good friend Ian King, who died at the Temple. This affected Eddie enough to decide to retire, but unfortunately in his last race at the Sunflower, he crashed and broke his pelvis.
1995 and 1996 was spent helping Dennis McCullough, and although he enjoyed this, he admitted to missing the buzz of racing. He decided to return in 1997 and with a new 600 Honda kindly supplied by Alec Waugh, we started the season with a win in the support class at Cookstown. However the season was to be short-lived, as he crashed at Dundalk in June, breaking his collarbone, which proved slow to heal. He was out for the rest of the season.1998 season, again with Alec Waugh, we enjoyed a good steady season, with some good results. However, Alec had already indicated this was his last year of sponsorship, so a new bike had to be sought.
Eddie actually applied for the use of the Moira Club machine, but was narrowly beaten in the decision of the club by newcomer Gary Jess who proved an instant success.With 1999 around the corner, Eddie decided on a new 600 Honda, running it in his own colours. Early season set up of the bike proved difficult, but we persevered, and Eddie eventually made it back into the top five, enjoying his racing as always. As the season drew to a close, the news that Gary Jess was moving to Schimmel Racing Team, resulted in Eddie being offered the Moira Bike for 2000 season.
The 2000 season showed promise. With a competitive bike, the enthusiastic backing of the Moira Club members and help from Road Racing Ireland, Eddie approached the season with relish. After a solid performance at Cookstown, Eddie's 3rd place at his home circuit of Tandragee, was the proudest moment of his life. He followed this with consistent performances and another 3rd place at Skerries, arguably Eddie's favorite track, proved this was his best season to date. However this was another season tainted with tragedy with the deaths of Joey Dunlop, close friends; Raymond Hanna, Gary Dynes and Andrew McClean greatly affecting Eddie.
After a break at the Manx Grand Prix as a spectator, Eddie came back rejuvenated and we headed for the last race of the season at Carrowdore. We had spoken of Eddie's high hopes of securing the Moira Bike for 2001, and we had also spoken at length of our plans if he didn't.
Tragically, these questions were left unanswered when Eddie lost his life to the sport he loved on Saturday 2nd September 2000.I can't express the loss I feel, having lost not only a brother, but also my best friend. However, the friends we made from the racing have helped me and the family through this terrible experience. There are no easy answers to the problems which face the sport we all love, but I want the sport to continue, like I know Eddie would have wanted.
To Everyone who has helped in these trying times, thanks, and to Eddie, thanks for the memories.
Robert Sinton.
We will all miss Eddie he was great craic and a great rider who loved his sport. We all have the memories he gave us and will treasure them forever. He was always making us laugh, you never saw him without a smile on his face and he always had time for everyone. We hope they serve Buckfast up there mate, thanks from us all.
