Thriving minibike championship scene in Northern Ireland could uneath the next Jonathan Rea

Minibike racing is one of the fastest-growing motorsports in the UK and the Irish championship has gone from strength to strength since it was first held here in 2018, with membership trebling during that time from 80 members to almost 190 this year.

Thanks to the hard work of the organisers, racing went ahead within the confines of strict Covid-19 protocols and another successful championship concluded in October at Nutts Corner.

Open to all riders from age six upwards irrespective of ability, minibike racing offers a cost-effective and fun route into motorcycle racing and who knows – perhaps a future world champion is among the new crop of budding young enthusiasts drawing inspiration from Northern Ireland star Rea’s incredible success on the world stage.

Already, a number of exciting prospects who competed in the IMC series last year have progressed to British championship level, with Rossi Dobson, Gary Scott and Rhys Coates contesting in the British Talent Cup, while Martin Burnett and Scott McCory competed at National Thundersport meetings.

This year’s young guns included former British championship rider and North West 200 winner Paul Robinson’s son Max, classic road racing specialist Barry Davidson’s son Matt plus Tyler Hamilton, the brother of late Portadown prospect Wayne, and Jack and Brian Hamilton - half-brothers of the tragic Ulster rider who was sadly killed at the Manx Grand Prix in 2011.

However, while the benefits of minibike racing as a potential springboard to bigger things for the younger generation, the IMC has also attracted more experienced competitors such as road racers Seamus Elliott, Darren Burns and Darryl Anderson and short circuit riders Luke Johnston and Kyle Cross, who were only too happy to avail of the opportunity to get their two-wheel fix and have plenty of fun at the same time.

One ‘older’ competitor mixing it up with the fearless youths is Mark Johnston, who competes in the Stock 140cc and Open classes.

He said: “As a competitor who has been around the block a few times more than most I really enjoy racing with some of the big names from the past, current champions and the stars of tomorrow - all in the same race.

“The grids are made up of competitors from all racing backgrounds, of different experience levels and aspirations. The fact that the bikes in the stock class are of the same performance and speed means that you can keep the stars in your sights - for a couple of laps anyway!

“Talent always shines through though and the front-runners are tough to stick with and always provide great entertainment,” he added.

“In the IMC paddock, everyone is so friendly and regardless if you finish first or last, everyone thoroughly enjoys it.”

Thomas Curry – whose children Matthew and Alyssa both compete in the championship – is heavily involved as a team manager, sponsor and mechanic under the Team Curry banner and the Waringstown man has no doubt the IMC will prove to be a breeding ground for many stars of the future.

“We have found the IMC to be a club that combines the sport so many of us love with a great family-oriented atmosphere,” he said.

“They provide an excellent platform for all riders to learn and improve their skills whilst having great fun and making friends along the way.

“They understand how important it is to celebrate achievements for all riders, not just the leaders,” he added.

“Matthew started riding motorbikes and racing with the IMC in 2019. Alyssa loved being about the paddock and started about mid-2019. They both love it and receive constant encouragement and guidance from all within the IMC family.

“There is no doubt that the IMC is helping to produce some stars of the future.”

Cookstown man and former racer Baylon McCaughey has also provided the younger riders with the incentive of winning a scholarship, enabling them to make the step up from minibike racing to short circuit racing, offering the lucky recipient the chance to ride a Tianda TDR300 in the Moto1 class in the Ulster Superbike and Dunlop Masters Championships.

Kilrea’s Lee Hara won the scholarship in 2019 and rode the Tianda machine for the first time at the only Ulster short meeting held this year at Kirkistown in Co Down in September, taking a win in the Moto1 class.

Hara will retain the scholarship for 2021 given the lack of race opportunities this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopefully, next year will herald a return to a more normal racing season and whether you’re a young racer with big hopes for the future or an older rider looking to bang bars with like-minded bikers, the IMC ticks every box.

For full details on how to become involved in the Irish Minibike Championship in 2021, visit the official website at www.irishminibikechampionship.co.uk.

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