Motorcycle ace is selected for British Talent Cup
TEENAGE motorcycle ace Harry Leigh is celebrating after being selected to take part in The British Talent Cup for 2019 as his racing career moves up to the next level - but he needs financial backing to make sure it doesn’t misfire.
The Hathern youngster has been selected to race in the 2019 series on the back of his title winning performance in the Thundersport Superteens championship which saw him win 17 races on his way to lifting the championship crown.
The British Talent Cup was launched this year by Dorna is part of its ‘Road to MotoGP’ programme, designed as the perfect stepping-stone for UK riders to get onto the world stage.
Riders aged between 12 and 17, will compete on identical Honda NSF250R Moto3 machinery for a six round championship alongside the British Superbike Championship, the World Superbikes and the Moto GP championship, culminating at the Moto GP in Valencia, Spain.
In addition to the British Talent Cup, Leigh will also be competing in the BSB Motostar champion- ship on an Open Class Mahindra GP bike, but he is in need of fresh sponsors to help finance his push to the top of the motorcycling arena.
Harry told the Echo he was really pleased with the success of this season and the opportunities for 2019.
“I’m blown away by my season - my achievements have been amazing and getting in the British Talent Cup is incredible I can’t wait.”
But his dad, Jay Leigh, revealed that he is still paying bills for the 2018 campaign and needs to find in the region of £50,000 to finance the 2019 schedule.
“I hate asking for help, but we are desperate for it. We have sponsorship spaces on our leathers, helmet, bike, race truck, social media and website.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase any business, or a personal sponsor to support a local athlete that desperately needs help or it could put his 2019 season in jeopardy before it’s even started.
“We are nearly ready to sign a contract with one of the best Moto3 teams in the paddock, but just need some commitment from anybody who can help us financially.”
• Anyone who wants to back Harry should contatct Jay Legh by email at leigh.jason@ntlworld.com Harry Leigh: has been selected for the 2019 British Talent Cup. THE 2019/20 GO GOLD Funding Programme is now open for applications until December 31, 2018.
Alongside its partners, Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport is once again pleased to support talented individuals through the GO GOLD Funding Programme, which has supported more than 500 athletes from over 65 different sports, over the past 11 years.
The aim of GO GOLD is to support local talented athletes in full-time education who are being recognised by their National Governing Bodies as being future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth athletes and potential medal winners.
The programme supports athletes competing at Regional (East Midlands), National or International Level in an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth discipline.
Athletes should be aged 14-23 years on December 31, 2018 and applications from athletes who are 12-13 years may be considered only if they are competing at National/ International level.
Applicants must live in Leicestershire, Leicester City or Rutland and be in full time education.
The programme is funded by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council. All eligible applicants will be considered by a panel made up of specialists across the county.
Successful athletes will be awarded at a presentation evening in April 2019.
For more information and how to apply visit www.lrsport.org/gogold or follow #GOGOLD