Walczak on the podium at 30th time of asking

It was the self-employed toolmaker’s 30th visit to the international road races yet the first time he has ever made it on to the podium.

“I was really pleased,” said Walczak.

“I had to give an interview on local radio and it’s not something I am used to.”

Walczak’s second-placed finish alongside passenger Andrew Miller qualified the duo for the blue riband event, the 17-team Manx Gas Sidecar Championship.

And despite finishing down in ninth, one lap behind Conrad Harrison and Jason Crowe, the duo were celebrating another notable achievement after finally passing the magical 90mph mark.

“We’ve just missed it for the past three years,” said the 65-year-old who reached a top speed of 90.358mph. “So to do it capped a great week.”

Walczak turned 65 shortly before heading to the historic cycle racing venue but says that despite his advancing years, he is in no mood to give it up.

“The older I get the quicker I’m going and it would be nice to get to 95mph.

“I’ll carry on doing it but if Andrew packs it in so will I.

“He’s such a good passenger and I would have to go back to scratch if he gave it up.

“But until then I’ll keep cracking on.”