Teenage Sensations Aim for Supersport Top Spot

04 December 2003

At the end of another successful year for British motorcycle racing, the search for the stars of tomorrow has already begun. Eighteen teenage hopefuls attended a unique event at Donington Park on Tuesday 2 December to find the two brightest prospects in the sport.
 
The selection process entailed a vigorous routine to test the qualities required to become a future champion in one of the most spectacular and competitive forms of motorsport. At the home of the British Motorcycle Grand Prix, the young riders were assessed on their riding and technical ability. In addition, the participants were interviewed by a panel of media professionals to assess their suitability for the most coveted positions in the 2004 British 125cc Championship.
 
The day had been organised by Honda Racing and Red Bull. The two companies are investing heavily in the future of British motorcycle sport as a key part of a joint initiative for youth development.
 
“One of Red Bull’s objectives in motorsport is to provide a framework for the progression of young talent,” said Red Bull Motorsport Manager Linda Pelham. “By joining forces with Honda Racing, we can give the best teenage riders in the UK a once in a lifetime opportunity to progress from a Honda RS125 to potentially compete in the British Supersport and Superbike championships. Hopefully, one day they’ll be able to emulate our current world champions and reach the pinnacle of their profession.”
 
Following a detailed analysis of the judges’ findings, 16-year-old Steven Neate from Barton-le-Clay in Bedfordshire and 17-year-old Eugene Laverty from Toomebridge in County Antrim, Northern Ireland were selected. The successful riders will be joined in the Red Bull Rookies Honda Racing team by Jonathan Rea, 16, who last month was selected to compete in the Supersport class on a CBR600RR.
 
“Youth is very important to Honda Racing,” said Race Team Manager Neil Tuxworth. “Young talent, in countries like Spain and Italy, comes to the fore in development programmes such as this. We feel the need to put something positive back into sport through our partnership with Red Bull.”

See series calendars for SBK World Superbike & Supersport Championships 2004

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