BYMX variety is the spice of Fife
By TMX Archives on 25th Mar 10
WITH the opening round of this year's Express Insurance sponsored British Youth Motocross Championship series this weekend March 27/28 all thoughts are gradually being focused towards Commerton Farm, near Leuchars, in Fife. The traditional Scottish venue with it's challenging deep sandy terrain has long been a favourite on the ACU youth calendar, and this year it will be the first stop-off point in the seven round BYMX Championship series.The series will then go nationwide before it all reaches a cracking conclusion at Cusses Gorse in Wiltshire on the weekend of September 11/12.
Taking a glance at the declared runners and riders for the various youth classes it's obvious that this years competition will be a fast and furious affair right across the board, as the ACU series has once again attracted a best quality field. The Junior 65cc section starts out with one clear cut favourite, Albie Wilkie. Ten-year-old Albie from the London area has been in terrific form over the winter months, particularly in supercross arena indoor action.
Jamie Osbourne from Stoke together with Welsh Wizard Alex Walton have both looked very strong in club competition, and when added to Bradford's Keenan Hird the three could well represent the major threat in the 65cc class. From last year's ranks also expect there to be a hefty points scoring effort coming from the likes of Tom Hume, Taylor Hammal, Jake Edey, Max Bickers, Archie Osmaston and Matthew Pocock.
In the first of the 85cc divisions, the Small-wheels, Oliver Osmaston will be a really tough act to beat. If however Ollie does happen to slip up there is a gang of equally matched, talented and speedy riders just waiting in the wings and ready to take full advantage. Robert Yates, Josh Gilbert, Sid Evans, Conrad Mewse and Scotland's Jay Lamb are the five most likely candidates to be the ones snapping at Ollie's heels. Behind them you can also expect real fireworks from Jack Seabourne, Lewis Houghton, Greg Hyett, David Keet, Henry Williams and Casey Connolly as they jostle for position in a class that is full of endless and intriguing possibilities.
The Big-wheel 85cc challenge quite often turns out to be a very special affair. Ben Howell and Ben Watson are both riding Austrian KTM machinery and they represent the two biggest guns in the shootout. The head to head between the two guys could well be so close that it eventually becomes one of the standout highlights of the entire youth season. Behind that paring there is a block of talent in the shape of Liam Garland, Connor Clark, Mickey Eccles, Robert Davidson, James Harrison, Adam Sterry, Sam Winterburn, Corie Southwood, Tom Neal, Jack Kelly and Brad Todd and they are all well capable of winning an individual moto if they hit the right groove.
In the Open Class Youth section one thing that strikes you immediately is the shear pedigree and class of the proven winners that are taking part in the 2010 contest. The sharp end is fronted up by what is without doubt the next wave of the under 16 year old talent that will progress and feature prominently in the Adult professional ranks of the Maxxis competition. In the mix is Connor Walkley, Nathan Watson, Bradley Pocock, Ryan Houghton, James Dunn, Jamie McCanney, Jordan Godwin and Luke Norris. When you add to those names the likes of Scottish flier Gary Sharp, Damon Wales, Jake Page, Jamie Houghton, Luke Newman, Harry Noakes and Ryan Watson, It's quite obvious this division along with the three others will bring bar banging entertainment all the way.