The 2014 British Youth Nationals kicked off the season at Fat Cat Moto Parc this past weekend in fine style. Riders from all corners of the UK started to arrive on Friday evening in anticipation of two days of great racing ahead.
In the 65cc class it was a close affair with 3 riders setting the pace, Joe Rizzi took the overall win after battling hard with Eddie Wade who actually won 5 out of the 7 races, Jack Grayshon chased hard throughout the two days and finished on the podium in third. Louie Kessell, Ben Clark and James Rowe rounded off the top 6. The Junior class this year is set to be one of the most competitive classes in the championship.
Jordan Eccles showed a clean pair of heels in the newly included BYN 125 class and took all 7 race wins. A remarkable achievement for sure, on a tough Fat Cat sand track. The battle was for second place with Daniel Wright just staying ahead Josh Coleman, Oliver Benton, Joel’e Hart and Jake Edey.
Quite possibly the closest racing of the weekend came in the BW85 class, so many riders could have taken the victory at round 1. It was Scottish rider Alexander Brown who gained the advantage and took the overall by 1 point from Dexter Douglas in second and Brett Pocock in third. The 3 riders who finished just behind the top 3 were Keenan Hird, Marcus Phelps and Jed Etchells, expect fireworks throughout the year in this class as so many riders could challenge for the win.
Alexander Brown
“The weekend went ok, I had a few problems with the bike as the gear lever got stuck in race 2, I’m pleased to take the win at Fat Cat.”
The SW85 class was just as exciting, the tough sandy conditions was hard going for some but the little guys showed true grit and determination to put on a great performance. Rossi Beard raced to victory from Lewis Hall in second, Kacey Hird managed to just pip Ben Clark for third and gain a well deserved podium. Tommy Clark and Conner Fish were only a few points off a top 3 position.
Jay Lamb certainly didn’t have it all his own way in the Youth Open class, Ollie Osmaston took the first 2 races but Jay stepped it up and put on a strong performance to win the remaining 5 moto’s.
Sam Braithwaite shared the same amount of points with Ollie and finished in third.
Robbie Dowson, Ben Harrison and Corie Southwood all finished in the top 6.
Jay Lamb
“The Saturday wasn’t so good as I had a few crashes, Sunday was a much better day with 3 wins and I’m looking forward to the next round.”
The British under 23 championship was always going to be close racing, with no clear favourite coming into round 1, all eyes were on a number of riders who set the fast and furious pace.
Mickey Eccles showed great form by winning the first 2 races and a second in the final moto, this secured him his overall win from Rob Davison who took the honours in the final race of the weekend. Jordan Divall, Brad Todd and Ashley Smith rounded off the top 5.
Mickey Eccles
“I managed to win the overall after taking the first 2 races pretty comfortably to be fair. I made a bad start in the final race but I put my head down and made my way to second by the end of the race.”
Gareth Hockey of RHL Activities, “Round 1 at Fat Cats was a great start to the season for us, really pleased with all the support that we have had from the riders and their families. With the positive feedback we have had from the weekend, it shows our plan is on track to become the best and strongest Youth Championship in the Europe. We would also like to thank all our sponsors who have shown great support throughout the build up of the new championship season.”
Round 2 of the 2014 British Youth Nationals will take place on May 10/11 at Milton Malsor Moto Parc.
Places are still available in the following classes ACU Open Youth, ACU British Youth 125 Class and the British Under 23 championship, to book in and register please call Penny on 01873 840640 or by emailing penny@rhlactivities.com
For more information on the 2014 British Youth Nationals please visit www.rhlactivities.co.uk