New Headline: Hodson Dominates, Secures 9-0 Thrashing!
North West 200 newcomer Rob Hodson says his family were supportive of him continuing his road racing career after his brother Jamie was killed in a crash at the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week in 2017.
Motorcycle road racer Rob Hodson has told the BBC Bikes Podcast that his family were united in their decision that he should continue racing following the death of his brother Jamie in an incident at the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week in August 2017. Jamie, from Wigan, died after an accident at the Joey's Windmill section of the County Antrim circuit during the Dundrod 150 part of the meeting. Rob, who began road racing one year later than his brother, in 2005, was involved in the crash but was not seriously hurt.
"We were rivals even though we were both racing out of the same garage. We did most of our racing together and we helped each other out wherever possible," said Rob. "Unfortunately we lost Jamie in 2017 at the Ulster Grand Prix but we decided to carry on racing.
"It was terrible, and to be involved in that as well, was awful. There was a point where we thought, 'should we carry on? ' but my mum never turned round and said, 'I think we should call it a day now'.
"She gives us encouragement, and still does, to do better. If you had your mum saying, 'I think we should give this up now.. ', but to have family spurring you on, and wanting more and better, plus the sponsors and friends who come to the meetings with us.