Karl Curtis, warehouse manager
Your bikes?: A Honda CBR 600cc for racing and a Honda CBR Fireblade 900cc for the road.
Were you always interested in bikes? Yes, I had my first bike when I was 16 - a Honda 90. My father, two brothers and my sister all had bikes too, so it's in the family.
What do you use your bikes for? I commute to work on my Fireblade from Skerries to Ringsend and I use my CBR 600 for racing the Clubman's Championship at the weekends.
When did you take up racing? Last year - it was something I've always wanted to do and I think it's fantastic. I'm really enjoying it. Last year I achieved a 2nd and 3rd in Mondello Park. This year's best result so far is a 6th in St Angelo Enniskillen after qualifying on the 2nd row and I'm very happy about that. I've applied for a road racing licence to race on the roads - it's called an A-licence. I have to compete on four different circuits in six races first. It's all about consistency - the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) look at your times and where you finish in the races. I was told that I'd need another year behind me before I can qualify for the A-licence. Road racing is the ultimate buzz, and I can't wait to give it a go.
How do you get sponsorship? It's difficult because the running costs for a season amount to about €10,000 for brake pads, petrol, new tyres, race entry etc. It's not easy to get sponsorship but I've managed to get some all the same. I'd really like to thank them for their support because I certainly wouldn't be racing without them - they're Perenco, Joe May's pub in Skerrries, SJ Burke & Co and Micro Electrical Services in Naas.
Your racing hero? David Jeffries - he would've got close to Joey Dunlop's TT record if he hadn't died so young.
Have you ever tried Moto X or any other bike sports? I did Moto X but I just didn't like it. It scares me to be honest! I thought it was a good way to mess about on a bike but you're certainly guaranteed to wreck yourself doing it.
Had any accidents? Yes, I've had a few. The racetrack is far safer than the roads. I've had a few incidents where cars have pulled out in front of me without looking.
What does your insurance cost? It's €1,575 because my bike's in Group 12 which is quite expensive.
Have you taking any biking trips abroad? Yes, I went to France on my Fireblade and found the roads absolutely amazing compared to our roads.
Issues for the Government? There are a lot of issues I think the Government should address for bikers. The grit on the roads and all the potholes and bad surfaces are very dangerous when you're on a bike. I also think car drivers should be made more aware of bikers. Also, one thing that really irritates me about car drivers is texting on mobiles while driving - it's just crazy and very dangerous. ... - PATRICIA WESTON
For more information on Karl's racing go to karlcurtisracing.com