FAST AND FURIOUS

Rage as hurt Ross battles on but quick time fails to seal cup spot

Cambusnethan minimoto racer Ross Maguire failed to qualify for the British Talent Cup – despite registering quicker times than selected drivers.

And to compound the 12- year- old’s misery even further he ended up in Wishaw General upon his return from Silverstone after damaging cartilage around his knee.

The youngster (right) was gutted after he raced through the pain barrier following a crash in his first race but still did not do enough in the selector’s eyes.

Ross’ dad David, admits he was fuming by the knockback but insists Ross is not letting the decision get to him.

He said: “He rode well despite his injury and his times were again comparable to his nearest rivals but unfortunately he did not make it through to final group.

“Ross and I were both gutted that he didn’t get through as we thought he had done enough on the day and he has a record second to none.

“It obviously just wasn’t his day and after returning home we took him to get his knee checked at Wishaw General as he could barely walk leaving Silverstone.

“We found out he has some cartilage and soft tissue damage around his knee, so considering the extent of his injury he did really well to ride the rest of the day.

“Ross was one of the youngest to be invited to try out at Silverstone and will hopefully be invited again next year.”

Ross’ day started off with a crash in the first session of the day but despite treatment from paramedics, he vowed to continue.

Out of 90 riders, Ross survived two rounds to be cut down to the final 50.

But after the next session the Cambusnethan kid was cut loose, but dad David insists he is already planning his return to the bikes.

Despite the injury, Ross is looking to further extend his lead in the Aircooled Pro Championships in the British Championships. David added: “This weekend, Ross is hoping to be competing but it will all depend on how quickly his knee recovers as he still can’t bend it too well.”