David Cain

I was born in January 1967 at the Jane Crookall Maternity Home in Demesne Road, Douglas, Isle of Man. I am an only child to my Mum Dot, and Dad Jim.

Above... a very cold early morning at Douglas Harbour!

Waiting for the arrival of HMS Daring  This photo was  taken by my wife Rosemary with her Canon SX10is.

My working life started at the Isle of Man Highway and Transport Board in October 1984, (later to be renamed the Department of Highways, Ports and Properties - and now known simply as the Department of Transport or DoT) as a Surveying Assistant, becoming a Trainee Civil Engineering Technician in 1985. I was involved in several major road improvement schemes in the 1980's, Main Road in Onchan (including the new roundabout at Corkills), road widening at Red Gap in Castletown, and road improvements at Quarry Bends on the TT Course.

I left DoT Design in 1999 to join the Isle of Man Water Authority in the new Planning and Projects Section. I have worked in the same section ever since, recently progressing to my current role as the Capital Mains Laying Team Supervisor, with a team of 8 men affectionately known as the "Supergang".

My team are responsible for the laying of new water mains, and the rehabilitation of pumping stations for potable water supplies throughout the island. I was involved in the new mains for the Water Treatment Works in Douglas, and the laying of the potable mains for all the properties in Sulby Valley as part of the new Sulby Water Treatement Works.

...and Play

I started rallying at the age of 17 - three days after passing my driving test. I have been actively involved ever since. I have competed with two Mini GT's, 3 Talbot Sunbeams as a driver, and co-driven in many cars for an equally impressive number of drivers.

I hold two MSA Clerk's of the Course licence for both Stage Rally and Speed (hillclimb and sprint). I am an MSA Licenced Scrutineer (car) and hold a full MSA/FIA International Stage Rally Drivers Licence.

I own a 1981 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus (Henri) which is a replica of the 1980 Lombard RAC Rally winning car (pictured here!) This is my pride and joy, and is in full compliance with the current historic rally regulations.  

For the technical amongst you the brief car specification is: 1981 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus (originally built by ICE Motorsport for hillclimbs/sprints) fitted with fiberglass front end and stripped out internally and lightened. Dural or polycarbonate sumpguards, alloy axle brace, and stiffeners fitted as per works team cars. 2174cc double overhead cam Lotus Engine, Cosworth pistons & liners, balanced and tuftrided crank, lightened flywheel, twin 50mm Dellorto carburettors, 5 speed dog leg ZF gearbox, 4:1 LSD axle. It runs on 15" or 13" wheels depending on the event. Brakes are AP Monte Carlo Front with vented disks and AP Four Pots on the rear with Hydraulic handbrake and bias control for the front. The engine produces 240BHP, and 238 ft lb torque at 7000rpm (red line at 7500!)

I am a member of the Manx Motor Sport Marshals Association Committee, and have served as Chairman of Druidale Motor Club, and on the organising Committee of the Manx National Rally and many local stage rallies. I am Deputy Clerk of the Course for the Manx Motor Racing Club's "Manx Classic" (two hillclimbs and a Sprint in three days at three venues!)