A talented and tenacious young motorcyclist has shown his mettle after overcoming a broken leg and ankle to scoop the Junior British Mini-Bikes Winter Series.
Luke Hutchison, a fourteen-year-old Year 9 student at Richmond School and Sixth Form College competed in three rounds to win the coveted title, two at the Three Sisters Race Track at Wigan and one at Ellough Park Raceway at Beccles. This is an incredible achievement for Luke who has only been racing for three years and is rapidly making a name for himself in the British Mini-Bikes Series, and both the English Norasport Championship and the Scottish Mini-Bike Championship.
Luke’s victory is made all the more impressive as in July last year he broke his leg and ankle during a race in Scotland, yet still managed to finish fourth in a summer championship. In spite of several months recuperation, he managed to get himself bike fit in time for the Winter Series.
This year, Luke will continue competing in the age 14 and under JSM140 race category, however he is hoping to step up to a larger bike in 2023. His plan is to compete in the televised British Super Bikes Junior Supersport, racing on a Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Luke said: “I am really pleased with my performance this year, especially given my injuries and being up against competitors who have been racing for much longer than me. As a relative newcomer, it has been really satisfying to reach a national standard so quickly. My dream is to move up to British Super Bikes, which will not only demand a higher level of fitness and bike performance, but also a much higher investment, not only to purchase and maintain the bike but to be able to attend all the races. I am hoping to receive sponsorship to enable me to do this.”
Luke currently rides a Symoto 140cc Pit bike, which is a derivative of a motor-cross bike with a four-stroke engine and ten-inch wheels. The Norasport academy mini-bike circuit involves 12 laps and Luke’s average is an impressive 58 seconds per lap, depending on the track. Racing is in Luke’s blood as his Dad and two Uncles used to race at tracks such as Croft, Cadwell Park and the Isle of Man TT. Luke added: “Once I’m old enough, it is my ambition to do road racing.”
Jenna Potter, Headteacher, said: “I am so impressed that Luke has achieved the top spot in the Junior Bikes Mini-Series, this is a fantastic achievement and really shows how committed and passionate Luke is about his sport. He is obviously very talented and deserves to step up to the next level and further develop his bike skills.”
Luke clearly has a promising talent and to further his career he is seeking sponsorship. If any companies or individuals are interested in supporting Luke with sponsorship to further his promising biking career then please join the Team Hutch Racing Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017306718652444 or visit Luke’s gofund me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/teamhutch-racing-fundraiser?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer