Neil Robinson (29 July 1962 – 13 September 1986) was a motorcycle circuit and road racer from Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Robinson died aged 24 during a practice session at Oliver's Mount racing circuit, Scarborough.[1][2][3]
In 1983 Robinson made an immediate impact on the British domestic racing scene, winning the 250cc Championship riding a Yamaha RD250.[4][5]
For the 1986 racing calendar Robinson initially campaigned Suzuki machinery in a privateer capacity, being sponsored by a used car business.
Making his debut at the Isle of Man TT in June of that year Robinson was entered in three races: the TT Formula 1, Production B and the Senior TT. Robinson enjoyed a constructive week in the pre-race practices and qualifying, being timed as the 12th fastest for the Formula 1 TT.
Building on his practice lap times, in the Formula 1 race he took his machine home in 11th place, recording an average race speed of 108.35 miles per hour (174.37 km/h) following 226.38 miles of racing and which resulted in him being the best placed of the newcomers.[6]
This was followed by the Production B Race with Robinson securing 22nd place with an average race speed of 103.93 miles per hour (167.26 km/h). The week's racing concluded with disappointment for Robinson when he was forced to retire in the premier race, the Senior TT.[7]