Youths' out in force
By TMX Archives on 28th Feb 11
Youth riders always play a big part at British Supercross events and last Saturday's final round at Liverpool's Echo Arena was no exception, writes Jason Bellinger.
From the teeny, tiny little Autos in their oversized helmets to the future stars of tomorrow in the Youth Lites they put on a great show for the always appreciative Liverpool crowd, and showed real grit, determination and no end of skill as they piloted their machines around the same full course lay out as the Pro SX1 and SX2 guys. Being able to tell your mates in class on a Monday morning that you rode the same track as Tom Church, Stephen Sword and Gordon Crockard must be a great feeling for them and will no doubt give them confidence for the future, (not that they need any more!). It amazed me to see one of the Auto riders put a block pass on one of his rivals as they rounded one of the berms to sneak into the lead with just a lap to go, learning the tricks of the trade form an early age. Run over six laps the Auto race was fun to watch and Finley Beard showed his class but Callum Beeken and Lee Percy were never too far behind
The Junior race final saw an epic battle between Dylan Woodcock and Harry Kimber, and was my personal favourite of the night. Woodcock won it but Kimber, who fell twice during the race, came back stronger and stronger and was only just pipped at the final flag.
The Small-wheel 85cc and Supermini finals were run in the afternoon but so that that they didn't miss out performing in front of a large crowd they raced for fun in the night's proceedings which was a good decision from the powers that be.
They revelled in the big arena atmosphere and I'm sure they all went home happy, if not a little tired. Finally the Youth Lites and James Dunn really is a star of the future not only did he dominate this class winning by a margin of 24 points over Mark Perfect he also scored a hat-trick of wins in the Clubman Open class, competing against riders much older than him, so the future looks bright for him.
And I'd say the future is in safe hands with this lot as they just keep on getting better and better, some of the older generation might just want to take a look over their shoulder next time on track, you never know, a young whippersnapper might be trying to make a move!