MX organisers introduce new race for ‘baby riders’

Young riders power their bikes at the start of a recent national race. PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE

KAMPALA.

As a way of developing young riders (peewee), starting from the fourth round of the Mountain Dew MX Championship, kids aged between four and six years will compete separately.

William Blick, the patron of Speedway Motorsports Club (SMOC), the organisers of this Sunday’s meet at Uganda Sports Arena Busiika, explained that the move is aimed at encouraging more parents to bring their kids into the sport.

“In the past, we have been mixing the MX50CC peewee class (4-6 years) with riders aged 6-9. It was a risk as the peewees need a lot of attention especially when they fall off their bikes. Parents and safety marshals have to run on the track to help out,” Blick said.
“Currently we have about 15 MX50CC riders (6-9 years) and four peewees. If we separate them more parents will pick up interest and bring their kids as they will be easily monitored.”

This kind of arrangement will also help the country to churn out more well-grilled riders, capable of challenging the continent’s best.

Leaders after 3 events
MX50CC: Isabella Blick 171pts
MX65CC: Waleed Omar 177
MX85CC: Fortune Ssentamu 169
MX2: Alestair Blick 158
MX1: Maxime Van Pee 173
Ladies class: Isabella Blick 120