MOTORBIKES: Aaron, 14, clinches podium place in British Championship debut year

Aaron Wright with dad Chris and Kirsty Cross after finishing third at Thruxton. INLT 34-699-CON

The 14-year-old from Newtownabbey on the Collision Belfast KTM is placed eighth in the series, only one point behind Reece Guyett.

“He is slightly ahead of where we thought he would be in his first year and we are very pleased with this although Aaron would like to be at the front,” said dad Chris.

“The massive crowds, media and the pressure of racing harder and faster really have not fazed Aaron at all,” he added.

Chris explained: “The bikes are all pretty much identical which means it really is the rider that makes the difference and we feel the only thing Aaron is missing is the experience the other riders have.”

Aaron’s ability to learn new tracks fast is paying off, as he proved at Thruxton at the start of August, qualifying fifth and claiming his first British Championship podium in third. Race two saw him finish sixth, but a fall in race three ruined a great weekend.

“Words can’t explain how I felt after taking my first podium, but I was disappointed with the non-finish in race three,” said Aaron.

“We changed some settings on the bike before race two and I was happy with sixth, although obviously not as happy as I was with my podium.

“In race three, I was battling for fourth but had a low side coming out of the last turn and that was that,” he added.

With only three rounds left in the championship, there are still many points up for grabs and the local rider is looking at taking as many as he can, starting with this weekend’s Cadwell Park meeting.

Aaron said: “I’ve never ridden Cadwell before, but I’m really excited at the thoughts of racing at the famous circuit. I am still finding it really tough with so much fast competition, but I’m certainly relishing the challenge.”

The youngster is mindful of the backing of those who helped him to the British championships. He said: “Although I am the one who gets all the praise when I get a result like my podium at Thruxton, I have to say that without www.theautodock.com, Philip McCallen, Diamond Heron Solicitors, L.A. Distribution, Custom Graphics and everyone else who has supported me, none of it would be possible.”