FatCat ready for the Elite Youths
By TMX Archives on 1st Jun 12
The rising stars of the Red Bull Elite Youth Cup face possibly their biggest test of the season this weekend (June 2/3) when they rock up to the startgate at FatCat Motoparc for round two of the series.
The deep, strength-sapping sand of the South Yorkshire venue will be tough enough for the adult pro classes of the Red Bull Pro Nationals so for the young aces it represents a major challenge. Going bar-to-bar over the full weekend with three races on Saturday and two on Sunday, the EYC regulars will be pushed to the limit as they battle it out in Britain's premier youth series.
FatCat represents home turf for 18-year-old Jake Millward who took flight in the EYC Rookies division at Landrake and winged his way to a great victory at the opening round.
"I'm really looking forward to FatCat because that's just about 25 minutes down the road from me so it's my local track,” says 18-year-old Jake. "All of the fastest riders in the UK ride the Red Bull Elite Youth Cup so everyone goes there knowing that they are riding against the best competition there is and that brings all of the riders on. All of the top riders in the UK are well aware of the Red Bull Pro Nationals so if you manage to win one of the titles everyone's going to have heard of you which is always a good thing.
"It's amazing, Red Bull gives you an opportunity in motocross to try and get yourself up there, to try and get yourself noticed and give you the opportunity to get yourself known, to be noticed by the big teams and big sponsors and, hopefully, if you're lucky to land a team spot.”
Down a division in the Big-wheel 85cc class it's Josh Gilbert who leads the way while Taylor Hammal heads the hunt on the Small-wheel 85s. In the Junior 65s Tom Gilbert was on fire in Cornwall and came away with the weekend's only maximum after nailing an unbeaten five wins from five starts.
"It's exciting to be returning to FatCat this year as it's undoubtedly one of the best all round motocross venues in the UK and following on from an incredible round one at Landrake I have no doubt that our choice of using the same side of the venue will be welcomed by every rider,” says Matt Bates, Managing Director of series promoters Events 22. "It's tough going in the deep sand for the young riders but that's what the Red Bull Pro Nationals are all about – nurturing young talent across a wide variety of tracks and conditions.”
Situated at junction four of the M18 near Doncaster, getting to FatCat couldn't be easier and spectator viewing is excellent. The postcode is DN3 3EH so set your satnav and make sure you don't miss out on a weekend of top-flight youth racing...
