It’s a family affair
Patersons have four racers competing on the track
Mounting a bike and taking to the track comes naturally for the Patersons of Scone.
And now FOUR members of the family are competing on the Scottish circuit.
Father Torquil (43), a multiple-time national champion, his sons Lewis (16) and Owen (12) – and daughter Zoe (7) – have a strong passion for motorsport.
There is a unique feel to the weekend activity, admits Torquil, whose love for bikes was ignited as a teenager.
He said: “I think it is pretty unusual for so many of us all to be racing. It is common for generations of families to have raced, but not all at the same time.
“I’m probably going on too long, but I love the thrill and excitement and I’m still relatively competitive so I’ll keep going. I keep coming back because I love the speed and the challenge. Constantly testing yourself against the next generation of racers.
“All three kids have been going to the bike racing since they were weeks old, so they have all grown up around the paddock, and I’m trying to give them all equal chance of trying racing.
“They all have a good circle of friends. We are all part of the racing family.
“I try to pass on what I can, and try to keep their feet on the ground and focused on the racing.
“It’s a physically and mentally tough sport, and sometimes things go wrong, so it’s my job to keep them positive, and focus on the good things and get rid of the bad things.
“They do listen, but usually forget what I have said in the heat of the moment, racing is a stressful business!
“As they have all been going to the racing since they were tiny they are used to the routines that we go through each weekend, and already have a good idea about racing lines and things like that.”
Torquil believes it could be a season of success for the family out on the track, especially for Lewis, a Perth Academy pupil.
But enjoying being out on the bike is the main priority.
Giving a run-down of who is competing in what this year, Torquil said: “I’m racing an 800 in the 1000 class, more as an exercise in what is possible with the smaller engine.
“Lewis is racing the Scottish Lightweight Championship which he is currently leading.
“And if we can keep the pace going and the progress that he has shown throughout his racing then he has a good shot at the title come the end of the season.
“Owen is in his first season of big bike racing, so this is a learning year, he needs to do as many laps as he can over the season, and just keep learning, learning, learning. He raced main picture and son Lewis, inset, love life out on the bike. Pics: William Wheelans minimotos for four years, but it’s a totally different technique to learn.
“Zoe is starting her second full season of minimoto racing. She is still very young so, again, it’s all about keeping it fun and enjoying the experience as much as possible.
“It’s important that the racing is enjoyable. A happy rider is a fast rider and so we’re trying to keep everyone happy and relaxed and let their riding and results talk for themselves.
“If at the end of the season that results in championships then that will be great and a good achievement. Lewis has the best chance of picking up a championship this season.”
There is a danger which comes with racing, but Torquil said: “It’s not something that you think about too much.
“Obviously there can be serious accidents and worse, but these are rare occurrences in reality.”