Friday November 11, 2005 at 12:00am
Photo - James Westmorland
As the British Championship was coming to an end and many Academy Cup riders showing their ability in both practice and races, ACU Academy staff Dave Luscombe, Shaun Brown and Nigel Bosworth, supported by Doug Barnfield and Stuart Higgs of MCRCB opened up discussion with DORNA over the possibility of increasing the offer of places in the Spanish Championship.
With DORNA selecting Kev Coghlan for a place in their Championship because of his strong performances throughout the season, the ACU were conscious of the effort put in by many other riders, no less than eventual Academy Cup Winner, James Westmorland, aged 17 years and Runner Up, Dan Linfoot, also 17.
Following these discussions both riders are to join Team Ajo Motorsport, the top Finnish 125 Grand Prix team for the final two rounds of the Spanish Championship at Valencia, 18th – 20th November and Jerez, 25th – 27th November. Both James and Dan are joining Team Ajo Motorsport at Valencia this weekend, 12th – 13th November to take part in a Catalan Championship Round, with the opportunity of getting to know the Team and test the bikes prior to the Spanish Championship races.
When the Team return to Valencia on 18th November, they will be joined by 3 other Academy Cup stars Danny Webb, 14 years, Kev Coghlan, 17 years and Bradley Smith, who is the first ever British winner of a Spanish Championship race at the age of 14!
Dave Luscombe, Training and Development Manager said “I am very grateful to DORNA for increasing the places open to these riders and of course Aki Ajo at Team Ajo Motorsport, I am confident that Dan and James will put in a tremendous effort over the next 3 weekends. These 5 riders are proof that the ACU’s Academy Cup gives a superb opportunity for young riders to progress and hopefully provide a route right through to Grand Prix level.” Team Manager, Aki Ajo, of Ajo Motorsport said " For our team this is good way to end this season.
It is pleasant to work with these two young and promising riders and offer them the chance to get know Grand Prix level team work. "
For any further information on this press release please contact Brian George, ACU Press Officer 01788 566428 or via e-mail [email protected]