Colin Hardman (24 February 1947 – 8 July 2006) was a British motorcycle racer who competed in both the solo and sidecar classes. Biography Nicknamed "Cocker", Hardman was born in St Helens, Lancashire and was the younger brother of the rugby league player, Alan Hardman. Racing career Solo Racing 1974–1981 Inspired by motorcycle racers such as Geoff Duke, Hardman began his solo racing career in 1966 on a Triumph at Croft, subsequently competing at the Aintree Motor Racing Circuit and Cadwell Park amongst others, before making his debut on the Isle of Man at the 1974 Manx Grand Prix where he competed in the Lightweight race, securing 52nd place on board a Ducati. Returning to the Isle of Man in 1975 he again campaigned a Ducati in the Lightweight Manx Grand Prix, improving on his maiden appearance taking his machine home in 37th place. Hardman next competed at the 1979 Manx Grand Prix and continued his participation at the 1980 and 1981 meetings; however he posted retirements in all three races. 1985–1993 Although concentrating primarily on sidecar racing at this time, Hardman resumed competing on solo machinery at the 1985 Manx Grand Prix which saw him entered in the Junior race competing on a Yamaha. By the mid-1980s the Manx Motorcycle Club had introduced the format of classic racing to the Manx Grand Prix programme, and Hardman was able to compete in the class on a Suzuki, although in 1985 he failed to finish in both races he entered. Fortunes were mixed at the 1986 meeting with Hardman forced to retire whilst competing on a Rotax in the Lightweight class. However a relative upturn in fortune occurred in the Junior Classic in which he managed to finish in 20th place, although this was followed by further retirements at the 1987 and 1988 meetings. From 1988 Hardman did not compete again on solo machinery until 1992, however two further retirements accompanied his endeavors at the 1992 and 1993 races. After this Hardman no longer competed in the solo classes. Sidecar Racing 1982–2006 Hardman switched to sidecar racing in 1982 and made his first appearance in the Sidecar TT as passenger for Brian Hargreaves. A disappointing retirement for Hargreaves and Hardman in the opening race was followed by a 14th-place finish in their second outing (the event is raced over two legs with the overall winner performing the best in terms of