THE Junior British Speedway Championship for riders in the country’s youth categories gets underway today (Friday), with three trainees from the Isle of Wight speedway school, My First Skid, excitedly waiting to launch their maiden attempts at the title.
Island speedway talents Jack Scully-Syer, Tia Brant and Charlie Southwick will be taking to the shale, up against at least ten other competitors, aged 12 and 13, for the opening round of the competition in the 125/150cc class, at the impressive National Speedway Stadium in Manchester.
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Regular local followers of the sport will be well aware of Jack’s passion for racing, so will have seen his great progress during pre-meeting races in 2022.
Riding alongside him in the pre-match races at Smallbrook last year was Sussex-based Tia, whose determination to overcome serious illness and ‘put a stake in the ground’ for the ladies, has endeared her to all those she's met on her speedway journey.
Charlie may be a new name to some, but the youngster from Dorset has been a very regular attendee at the speedway school — another rider who has displayed natural ability and significant potential.
Wightlink Warriors co-owner, Barry Bishop, said: “What a fantastic opportunity for these young people to experience and compete against their peers at Belle Vue's magnificent track.
"They go with our very best wishes for a successful evening in the eight-round competition in the North of England and Scotland.
"We cannot wait to see how they get on and, more importantly, how they've improved.
"The wonderful thing is we have more youth riders coming through the school, so I hope, in future years, the Isle of Wight’s and My First Skid’s (MFS) representation will only increase."
Former MFS student and Islander, Charlie Luckman, now living in Yorkshire, is set to be a major contender in the event.
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