EASTON GLAD TO BE BACK RACING AGAIN

Easton suffered life threatening injuries as a result of the crash which happen on the high speed section down towards Station Corner, but he has no hesitation coming back to race.

“I feel pretty comfortable, I thought I might have been a wee bit nervous but I feel fine so far,” said the Scot.

“I do feel lucky to have survived a crash like that. I was unlucky to be caught up in the crash but I’m more lucky to be able to talk about it.”

Easton spent a month in the Royal Victoria Hospital as a result of his injuries and in February he returned to thank the staff.

“I got so much help from everyone at the hospital and they got me back on my feet, well wheelchair at the start,” he said.

Easton’s best ever finish on the north coast is a second place, but what a story it would be if was able to top the podium this year.

He has always nurtured a deep desire to emulate his fellow Hawick men Jimmy Guthrie and Steve Hislop, both of whom excelled on the closed public roads circuits.

“When we switch to the roads it is a different discipline.’ he explained. “I will take it as it comes and see how things unfold in practice on Tuesday and Thursday. I won’t be giving it any big talk by saying that I will win but I’ve as much chance as anyone else and we’ll have a good dig at it.”