Man of the Year

Winner: Neil Hodgson

ANYONE who not only wins, but absolutely dominates a very competitive championship, takes the title with rounds to spare and then goes on to sign a major MotoGP deal is likely to impress the voters in our MCN Man of the Year vote.

This year there have been two Englishmen who have achieved this feat and both on Ducatis – Neil Hodgson in World Superbikes and Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne in the British Superbike championship.

But it was Hodgson who got the greatest number of votes in our reader poll. His under-pressure rides on the new factory Fila Ducati 999 this year were inspired. His double win at the Silverstone round was the icing on the cake.

And it is not just MCN readers who have noticed Hodgson’s ability – his new contract to ride a semi-works Ducati Desmosedici V4 in MotoGP in 2004 shows that the popular Lancastrian is admired and respected throughout the racing world.

MCN Editor Marc Potter said: ” Some people say that Neil had it easy this year but there is no doubting the scale of his accomplishment in becoming world champion on a brand new bike. ”

Hodgson said: ” I’m well chuffed. It’s the award that everyone wants to win because it is a direct link to the fans. I try to give as much time to the fans as possible and to receive this is like a big thank you back. So thanks to everyone that voted for me. ”