WESTBURY prodigy Jay Able is more than living up to his name after making a fantastic start to the season despite a step up in grade.
The 12-year-old, riding his Aprilia RS125 bike – capable of speeds of up to 100mph, claimed a hat-trick of trophies at the Anglesey meeting of the NG (North Gloucestershire) Road Racing Series and is also top of the Formula 125 EMRA (East Midlands Racing Association) Championship after winning both the opening rounds.
Last season Able finished fourth in the British Mini GP70 class and reached the final stages of the inaugural British Talent Cup – a stepping stone for young British riders to make it in MotoGP – despite competing against riders up to four years older.
Only an engine seizure in the first round of the Championship and ongoing clutch problems prevented him from claiming a podium finish.
Supported by Bradford-on-Avon company Energy Management and other sponsors, his schedule is set to become even busier when he turns 13 in July and becomes eligible to compete in the Junior SuperSport 300 Series.
Energy Management is delighted to be able to play a small part in helping Jay remain on track so that one day he can fulfil his ambition of joining the British SuperBikes circuit.
“Many of us within the company are motor-racing enthusiast ourselves and as we’re always looking to help out talented youngsters in the local area, it seemed like a natural fit when we first heard that Jay and his family were looking for sponsors to help fund what is an expensive sport,” said Energy Management director Malcolm Barrington.
“We’re delighted to continue our association with Jay and his family for a second year and would like to congratulate him on a fantastic start to the season. Long may it continue.”
Able's dad Mark, a motorbike training instructor, said: “Even at this stage of his career you’re looking at an annual commitment of around £15,000 so any funding we get helps massively. The sponsorship we receive from companies like Energy Management is crucial in helping to keep Jay on the track.”
Able's younger brother Sean, 11, is also showing great promise, currently competing in the Cool Fab British Mini-Bike Championship.
Travis Vince, from Melksham, was also competing in Anglesey notched a seventh and sixth place and second in the N G Cup Class.
Vince, the son of multiple NG champion Darrell Higgins, is currently third in the championship.
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