Well it all started off quite innocently 2 1/2 years ago when I took Troy to Wheeldon farm for a motorcycle junior training day for his 9th Birthday.
He loved it so much I then bought KevDoyles old PW50 (now owned by Doh), before we moved onto a newer CRF50 (now owned by Arry Povik) and then onto a CRF70 (now owned by Victor). We then bought him his first manual bike - a KX85 small wheel, which I had to wind down the height so he could fit on it. He took to this really quickly and last May did a day at Enduroland Minehead on it. Since then it was practicing on some local wasteland until I moved up to Paignton where we've now been reguarly attending a flatish MX practice track in Plymouth (PCMP) - who run sessions through the day every other saturday (juniors then adults then experts).
He's been on a me lately to let him enter a race. Had a few reservations about this ( bit of father nerves and also not having a van or owt to get the bike there - just a rack on the back of the Avant). However last Thursday I made enquiries about a local (Littlehempston) MX race. The organisers (Teinbridge MX club, a member of SWOR) were very helpful and gave me all the details. We popped up to and walked the track on the day before the race - although as soon as I got there I though 'Oh no, a track stuck on the side of a mountain'. But he seemed unphased as we walked (ran and couldnt stop) down the downhills and climbed up the ups. We chatted about lines and throttle and body positioning and at the end of it all he was adament he could do it. So I gave him the green light.
Sunday we arrived for signing on at 7:30 and already the field was half full of vans. It was nice to know a few people, from ex-TRFers (like Corporal Chaos and his band of merry men) to Wheeldon Andrew and his racing son Joe Clayton and a few others we'd met at pcmp.
The day was excellent. He had a practice sessions and 3 races. He didnt fall off at all except when he got a bit too confident leaving the start gates of the 3rd race - the pic shows it all. Lucky his group was pretty low on numbers (only 7 in the 9-13 group - unlike 30 in the adults) and even better he finished 4th and got himself his first trophy!! Well done.
He cant wait for the next one, looks like my own weekend riding time will take a small tumble. But definately proud of him - and will be fun to ride with him next week at Enduroland - he promises not to leave me behind!!
And well done to Joe Clayton who did excellent in his class. Came 2nd in all 3 races, was the only one on an 85cc when all the competition were on 150s. Size doesnt always matter
Always a proud moment for a parent when their son starts racing,I hope he does well for himself as long as your son haves a great day doesn't matter were he finish. My son tried this twenty or so years ago but he was not a racer good luck to and your son.
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Charlie.....KTM 450 exc... SIX DAYS the way too go
That's great mate well done to him that's gotta make you proud. Gotta admit when mine do things like that it brings a tear to the back of yer eye did I really admit to that I know the track you mean very steep climbs for your first time out in the spotlight, whens the next one?
and already the field was half full of vans. It was nice to know a few people, from ex-TRFers (like Corporal Chaos and his band of merry men) to Wheeldon Andrew and his racing son Joe Clayton and a few others we'd met at pcmp.
. Well done Troy 
did I really admit to that