Mike Sinclair - King Kenny's Spanner-Man

Author: Kerry Swanson, Softbound, 335 Pages, ISBN: 9781869539566 - First Published, 2016

This is the story of a young man who progressed from working in spare parts for a major Christchurch motorcycle retailer to the position of crew chief for 'King' Kenny Roberts' Yamaha Grand Prix team.

It is a history of significant change, both political and technological, with respect to how the Grand Prix season is organised and the machinery necessary to win that most coveted of titles: 500cc World Champion.

Mike Sinclair started his racing career riding a 350cc BSA, but everything changed when he discovered two-strokes. He started experimenting, blowing up numerous engines along the way, but at the same time he was learning, always learning. This trajectory of discovery
coincided with increasing interaction between overseas and local riders, and it didn't take too long for us Kiwis to realise that we really could cut it with the best.

Mike's 25-year-long career provides an insight into a period of motorcycle racing when change was both rapid and compelling. Not only was he a participant, but on the technological
front he initiated much of that change.