AIM RACING - RIDER''S PROFILE
26 February 2005 - Aim Racing

John McGuinness #44 Les Shand #77

John McGuinness is again reunited with AIM Racing for the 2005 British Superbike Championship. The 32 year old Morecombe rider started riding at the age of 5 in motor-cross and only changed to road racing at the age of 18. Since his change in direction he has had an illustrious career spanning over fifteen years. Although John did not compete in British Superbikes for a few years he continued his road racing career and was rewarded in 2004 by joining the elite class of 4 other riders to win 3 TT races in 1 week. 2004 was an exciting year for the Morecombe rider as he was drafted into the Hawk Kawasaki squad half way through the season to replace the injured Glen Richards.

When asked for his racing highlights he cannot name one as he has had so many events he has enjoyed.

1999: Won first TT race and Daytona on a 250. Daytona was special to John as he went to America to a track for the first time and won on an uncompetitive 250.

2000: Scoring his first points in GPs (John has competed in 4 GPs to-date).

2004: Winning 3 TT races in one week.

2004: Getting on the BSB podium at Brands Hatch.

Les Shand has been riding motorcycles since the age of 4 around his home town in the Highlands of Scotland. He competed as a privateer for several years in the Scottish and Regal championships where he achieved success in several of the championship categories. It was not until the 2002 season the likeable Scottish rider focused on the more lucrative English circuits in several MRO and British rounds.

In 2003 Les competed in the Supersport championship on Honda machinery but moved across to the hard fought Superstock championship in 2004. 2004 also saw Les move away from Hondas and start his relationship with the super fast Yamaha R1. Les was rewarded with a superb 5th place overall position in the Superstock championship standings and the lap record at Brands Hatch.

2001: Won the Scottish 600 and Regal 600 championship.

2002: Retained the Regal 600 championship and 2nd in the Scottish 600 championship.

2004: 5th in the national Superstock championship on Yamaha machinery with a lap record at Brands Hatch (Indy).

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