Late starter in a hurry to make his mark

Steven Young admits he was a late starter in the world of bike racing but is enjoying making up for lost time.

The 37-year-old father of three from Bethersden only passed his test four years ago to ride on the road – before taking part in a track day experience at Brands Hatch in 2014.

Fast forward to the same track two weeks ago and a second and third place finish – his first ever podiums – saw him claim sixth place in the Rookie 1000cc Championship at the end of his first full racing season which has proved very eventful.

He said: “It has been very tough and there have been far too many crashes. I was knocked off at Brands earlier in season and I slipped on somebody else’s oil at Snetterton. Most of them have been at speeds of between 100 and 120 mph, but I have managed to walk away unhurt.

“I did injure my elbow and shoulder in one, but we rebuilt the bike that night and I was back racing again the next day.”

He added: “I had been so close to a podium but luck has not been on our side.”

Recalling that track experience two years ago, Young said: “As soon as I was out there I knew it was what I wanted to do because I am very competitive.

“I did three meetings at Brands riding for the British Motor Cycle Racing Club, just one-off races to dip my toes in the water – and then with the help of my sponsors decided to do the full season.”

Young says cost was the main reason why he had to wait so long for his chance.

“There is a massive cost involved, it is not cheap at all, and I couldn’t afford it. The sponsors – WDE Recruitment and Rye Metal Welding – have helped.

“Wayne Eason runs WDE and used to come in to where I work at Bournes Removals in Rye.

“I didn’t know him that well but he runs his own racing team and the reason why I approached him, and we did a deal at the beginning of the season.”

He added: “I was a bit surprised how fast some of the other bikes were. I was 50 or 60 bhp down and it made every race a fight.”

Young has now sold his bike and invested £7,000 in a new Honda CBR 1000 ready to make him even more competitive, ready for the 2017 season when he will compete in the Clubman class

And he says racing is a family affair.

“My wife Kelly and the children come to every race – and we make a weekend of it.

“They help me and are all very hands on.

“I must also mention my mechanic Dean Rossiter from Ashford who is great help repairing and maintaining the bike.” Ruckinge F ......... 6 Hamstreet B........ 6 Lil Chart Posties .. 5 Challock E........... 6 Ashford TT D....... 6 Challock D .......... 5 Ashford TT F ....... 5 Ashford TT E ....... 5 6 45 9 45 5 35 19 35 4 33 12 33 4 29 25 29 2 22 32 22 1 21 24 21 0 7 38 7 0 6 39 6