Lions mascot Max aims to be roaring success in step up to 250cc bikes
TEENAGER WANTS TO WIN THIS YEAR’S BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP
LEICESTER Speedway’s mascot Max James is eagerly looking forward to the start of the season next month when he embarks on a new chapter in his fledgling career, writes Alan Jones.
The youngster, who will turn 13 in July, is making the step up from racing a 125cc engine into the 250cc higher class section of the British Youth Championship competition.
It is a natural progression for the Leicestershire-born racer, who signed off a successful 2019 season with the highest points tally of all competitors after six rounds of the 125cc British Youth Championship, along with a third place finish in the same category of the British Youth Final at Redcar.
James has already begun practising at winter training schools to familiarise himself with handling a higher-powered engine and is quietly confident he will be competitive.
“I can’t wait to be racing the 250cc bike this season,” he said.
“It’s so much fun and the extra speed seems easier to handle as the bike is so much more predictable to ride compared to the 125cc.
“Most importantly, I am going to enjoy riding the bike but although I am going to be riding against others who have years more experience on the 250cc bikes, I intend to try to win this year’s British Youth Championship.
“I have missed riding at Leicester over the winter and I’m looking forward to seeing all the supporters and fans when the season starts and hopefully they will be encouraging me as they always have.”
As part of his preparations for his first official meeting of the year, Max is attending a three day pre-season training camp later this month at the Smallbrook Stadium on the Isle of
Wight organised by the British Under-21 Manager, Neil Vatcher.
Along with his duties as mascot for the Lions, Max has a full diary of meetings in the domestic speedway calendar ahead of him and he has his sights firmly on two important events this summer when he is hoping to secure a place in this year’s World Championship, which will be held at the Cloppenburg circuit in Germany, and also selection for the European Championship in Sweden.
Max is treading a similar path as the Lions’ two previous mascots, Thompson twins Dan and Joe, who also honed their skills at junior level.
This season the brothers will be racing for Leicester’s senior team, the Watling JCB Lions.
The extra speed seems easier to handle as the bike is much more predictable to ride
Max James, left