Forty-eight years old Andy was world champion in 2004 and is a regular on the Pro darts scene, but has also been a long-term bike fan. He has been avidly watching bike racing on television for years, but Silverstone was his first ever visit to a bike race and, after two days at the Northamptonshire, he was so excited with the weekend that he signed up to take part in Leon’s father’s Ron’s racing school!

Leon

“Professional sports people are different to normal people in that they are good at what they do and have to try and always keep at the top of their game, whatever it is. Andy is no exception, but he is also such a down to earth, easy-going guy and it was a pleasure to meet him and threw a few darts with him. We threw a few darts together and even had a bit of fun by pinning a photo of Max (Biaggi) on the board for me to hit!

I never knew that he was such a bike fan and having him around in the Suzuki Alstare set-up was no problem at all. He was like a kid in a toy shop and so interested in everything we did. Actually he got so interested that he was talking about coming along to the race school and experiencing some track action for himself. At the end of our little darts competition, he very kindly gave me a signed copy of his book, some of his personalised tungsten darts and a dartboard so that I can practise before our next game together.”

Andy

“I had a great time at Silverstone and it was amazing to meet Leon, Sylvain and all the Suzuki Alstare crew. They made me feel very welcome and I’d like to come back and spend another weekend with them if I can. I have been watching bike racing on TV for years, wondering how they can do what they do, but it’s nothing like being at a track yourself and seeing everything close-up and experiencing it fo yourself. I still find it hard to believe that they can get round the corners the way they do, without falling off! While I was in Silverstone, I think I sort of persuaded myself to go to Ron Haslam’s race school - not that it took much persuasion. It would be a blast to follow Ron and Leon round the track and get a feel for what they do. I don’t know if I’ll be any good, but I am looking forward to giving it a go.”