British youngsters in spotlight for season opener at Eddie Wright Raceway

THE TENTH season of racing at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway commences with the opening round of the 2014 British Youth Championship on Sunday afternoon (3pm).

No fewer than 42 youngsters, all aged 16 or below, are set to do battle in four different categories – 500cc, 250cc, 125cc and 150cc box.

Much of the interest for home supporters will be focused on Reece Downes (pictured) and Liam Sanderson, the two 15-year-olds who will ride in the reserve berths for the Scunthorpe Stags’ National League team. Downes won the 500cc class in the round at Scunthorpe last season.

There are also a host of riders from the Scunthorpe amateur meetings on display on Sunday.

Scunthorpe Stags’ chairman Richard Hollingsworth said: “We are very proud to stage the opening round of the 2014 British Youth Championship at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Youth development is something we pride ourselves on at Scunthorpe.

“Many of the riders will be familiar to those who attend our amateur meetings, which take place monthly during both the summer and winter months.

“It was great when Reece won the round here last season, and he will be amongst the contenders on Sunday.

“One of the main men for the Scunthorpe Scorpions, Josh Auty, was the first-ever winner of the 500cc championship in 2004. On Sunday, it’s a great chance to watch the stars of the future – maybe a future Scorpions’ No 1 will be on parade.”

In total, there are 42 riders competing on Sunday. There are 46 races (42 heats plus four finals). The cost of admission is just £5 for all adults, whilst admission is free for all accompanied children aged 16 and under.

Admission Prices for Sunday:
All adults: £5.00
Child (0 – 16) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Programme: £1.00

Sunday’s line-up:

500cc class: Nathan Greaves, Lewis Griggs, Jack P Blackburn, Alex Wilson, Reece Downes, Macaulay Leek, Luke Harris, Liam Sanderson, Connor Fletcher, Zach Wajtknecht, Daniel Miles, Luke Whitehead, Kelsey Dugard, Layne Cupitt.

250cc class: Mitchell Beckett, Lewis Whitmore, Henry Atkins, Luke Woodhull, Ben Woodhull.

125cc support class: Charlie Brooks, Henry McGurk, Sam McGurk, Kieran Douglas, Sam Stead, Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson, Sam Wright, Kyle Bickley, Ryan Morris, Joylon West, Jordan Jenkins, Kai Hubbard, Jack Watson, Stephen Whitehouse, Nathan Ablitt, James Hitchen.

150cc Box support class: Tom Brennan, Chad Wirtzfeld, Jamie Halder, Kieran Taylor, Jason Edwards, Kean Dicken.

* Both the FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions and Scunthorpe Stags commence their seasons in a double-header at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday, March 30 (3pm). The Scorpions entertain local rivals, Sheffield Tigers, in League Cup action, while the Stags take on Kent in a National League encounter.