DECORATOR Lenny Pallister brushed off all but the top drivers to claim a fourth place finish at one of the most arduous motor racing events in the world.

Pallister, and team-mate Ian Marriner, both of Darlington, just missed out on a podium finish in the Pre-Classic Sidecar race at the Isle of Man TT festival recently.

The pair, who have raced on the notorious road circuit for many years, were competing on a 1972 750cc Triumph Bonneville and considering they were up against many 1000cc machines their finish was no mean achievement.

"We were fighting for the whole race with a Hillman Imp outfit and we got the better of him on the fourth lap, " said Pallister.

"Conditions were fine but it was very bumpy and hairy. We mounted the pavement at Church Bends and scraped the wall, but apart from that it was pretty straightforward."

Pallister and Marriner, aged 56 and 48 respectively, have been competing for over 25 years together.

"It's a buzz, " said Pallister. "We do it for the adrenaline. Decorating is a chore compared to this."

The pair are competing this weekend at the Bob McIntyre Memorial meeting in Scotland.

"We are looking to do the best we can and hopefully that will mean the top three, " Pallister said.

Published: 20/06/2005