Rider: Mike Chappell

Mike has been riding motorbikes since the age of 12. His first bike was a 1962 Triumph Sports Cub 200cc, that was bought from a friend for £1! A further £8 had to be spent to get into working order. Racing the Triumph in Schoolboy Scrambling at 14, progressing to a Puch 125cc then a Maico 440cc started a passion for bikes that remains today.

After leaving school, a career in the Royal Air Force began in 1977. Mike qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1980, but soon changed to the rather more exciting life as a Fighter Pilot. Mike progressed through RAF flight training, flying the Jet Provost at RAF Church Fenton, the Hawk advanced trainer at RAF Valley and RAF Chivenor. Commencing operational flying duties with the Jaguar Ground Attack aircraft of No. 41(F) Squadron.

Leaving the RAF in 1988, Mike flew the Boeing 737 for Britannia Airways until joining British Airways in 1990, operating the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. He is now a Captain flying the Boeing 777 from Heathrow and Gatwick, to various destinations around the world including India, Africa, the Middle East, USA and the Caribbean.

Mike’s first race was on Kawasaki ZX10R at Cadwell Park in May 2005, with Derby Phoenix. It was a good weekend only spoilt by a high speed crash at Coppice. Mike went on to win the 751-1300 Novice Championship that year. He also finished 9th in the 751-1300 Class.

2006. Again racing with the Derby Phoenix club, Mike changed bikes to a Suzuki GSXR1000K5 bought from Michael Pensavalle Racing. After a slow start to the season marred by a crash at Croft and technical problem at Mallory, Mike went on to become a regular top 5 finisher. His first race win was at Cadwell. Mike finished 4th in the 751-1300 Championship and 2nd in the All Comers Championship

Now starting his third year of Road Racing with Derby Phoenix, he hopes to improve his results from last year aboard the Ducati 1098.


Dominique Delgado

Dom is Mike’s partner and is responsible for the Web Site Postings and Team Photography.

Dom was born in France in the town of Langon. She is fluent in English and Spanish. After completing 3 years of a law degree, Dom, due to difficult personnel circumstances, went to India to help Mother Teresa in the streets of Calcutta. Returning to France, she started work as Cabin Crew with the French airline, Air Liberte then TAT. Dom joined British Airways in 1994 and is now a Purser on the Worldwide fleet. She flies on both the Boeing 777 and 747.

Dom’s passion for good food and French wine will ensure a warm welcome in the Pits for our visitors. She has never been into motorbikes…. But had to get used to it!! And now admits that the Ducati 1098 is “tres sexy”!


Teut Wiehn

Teut began working with Mike at the start of last season; he is responsible for the Race bike setup. He is an expert in suspension and general bike maintenance, giving advice on all aspects of race craft. Teut is available for consultation and can be contacted via our links page.


The Kids.

Victoria and Haydn

We haven’t found a real use for them yet apart from costing money! But hope to set them on cleaning the bike!!

Thankfully, they are my biggest supporters. Haydn runs around the circuit with the video camera trying to film those magic moments. Victoria is very keen to learn and helps with the basic bike maintenance.

Winning or losing is not important for them, as they always look after me when I get back from a race.