Aaron’s on the Wright track

Teenager Aaron Wright had plenty to cheer about over the 2014 season.
Aaron Wright in action at Red Bull Rookies' test in Spain. INLT 43-921-CONAaron Wright in action at Red Bull Rookies' test in Spain. INLT 43-921-CON
Aaron Wright in action at Red Bull Rookies' test in Spain. INLT 43-921-CON

He not only won the Ulster and Irish 125/250 short circuit championships, but was invited to the recent Red Bull Rookies’ tests in Spain.

It was some achievement for the Newtownabbey youngster who was chosen from 3,000 hopefuls.

After three days at Guadix near Granada, he didn’t make the final 12 but he had a great time in the Spanish sunshine.

Aaron WrightAaron Wright
Aaron Wright

“We were riding 125 Metrakit two-stroke machines and I found it hard going on the opening day to get up to speed but after that I did get faster and thoroughly enjoyed riding the track.

“It was a completely different challenge for me but one that I enjoyed.”

He added: “It was fascinating to be involved and although I didn’t make it through I wasn’t too disappointed as it was a great experience and one that maybe I will try for again. Now I am concentrating on this weekend’s Sunflower Trophy meeting at Bishopscourt.”

Asked about his championship season, Wright’s initial response was short and to the point.

“Unreal,” he said. “I didn’t think I would win one championship let alone two but when I got my first win and they kept coming I just got more confident and I started to believe I could actually do it.”

The 13-year-old took seven wins on his 250 Kawasaki Ninja and was a runaway winner of both championships, showing what a talent has. He only began racing an Aprilia in 2013 before making the move onto the 250 Kawasaki four-stroke machine which has carried him to both titles.

He took his first win at Bishopscourt in March and little did he know that before the end of the year he would be racing by invitation at Brands Hatch and then jetting off to Spain.

“We got a wild-card invite [to Brands] and we jumped at the chance. I qualified sixth and got two seconds in my two races, along with the fastest lap in the opening race,” he said.

“Brands was unreal. It was such a better track and I suppose better everything,” he added.

On November 7, Aaron will be holding a fund-raising night in the Nortel Social Club. For this ticket-only DJ fun and games night, contact Chris on 07752626558.