It’s been a big year for Bridgestone and a number of their sponsored young riders in 2016, and the manufacturer has recently been reliving some of the highlights from this season.
As well as becoming title sponsor to the Bridgestone BSMA National Series, which saw it’s biggest year for entries to date, the world’s largest tyre maker also get behind six young talents in their quest for motocross glory.
With nine wins from sixteen races Josh Waterman took the AMCA MX2 title with one round to spare, a feat which has never been achieved before. Off the track, he then missed the final round of the season as his partner Freya went into labour – giving him another great reason to celebrate!
Josh said: “I couldn’t have won the title without the Bridgestone X20s getting me out the start every race. I was thrilled to win it a round early because the pressure was building, knowing the baby was coming so close to the last round!
“It was my second year in this championship after finishing 2nd last year. It was really competitive with everyone wanting to beat each other, so I am proud to be able to call myself a champion!”
An injury cut short Rob Yates debut season in the British Maxxis Championship MX2 class the Redditch based rider came back strong at Penybont and Pontrilas, also clinching the BSMA Finals title at Culham Park.
Fourteen year old James Hanscombe won every single race in the British AMCA 85cc series and finished as runner up in the BSMA series.
His Dad George commented “He is doing things on his bike that he could never do 12 months ago. Naturally, we’re all very proud of James, but there has to be one main objective for 2017 – and that is for him to have fun.
“It can get quite serious when you’re riding for podiums and titles, but James is still so young and our perspective is for him to express himself and enjoy himself, which he certainly did this year.”
If ever there was an example of hard work reaping rewards then look no further than Harry Linton, who was putting in plenty of hard work off the bike long before the season had even begun.
The 16-year-old embarked on a rigorous training programme months in readiness for his debut AMX season, knowing that improved strength was imperative in order to succeed.
Harry duly won the BSMA Bridgestone series after a titanic battle with Lee Truman, clinching the title with a superb ride from last to second in the deep mud at Penybont.
And he is now all set to win the Phoenix Tools premier MX championship as well, to prove that all of those miles on the treadmill were well worth the effort
“Harry’s success can probably be traced back to his winter training. He had a programme to stick to and was committed in the gym for a long time,” said mum Tracey.
“Because he went up into adult racing, he knew he had to get himself really fit. We’re very proud of Harry. He’s gained in confidence as well as strength and we have some wonderful memories from some amazing races.”
Silje Otte was holding second place in the Acerbis Nationals before a nasty fall at Farleigh Castle which saw her break a leg in the process. Next year she’s off to Australia to learn more about agriculture, and motorbikes! With her leg healing well, she’s positive that she will be back behind the throttle very soon.
Morgan Evans has endured several injuries during his debut season in the Small Wheel 85cc class, but is desperate to bounce back in 2017. The 11-year old rider from Himley had some great top six finishes before injury, and his future is still looking bright next year.
In the equally competitive world of Enduro, Bridgestone sponsored another emerging two-wheel star, in the shape of 14-year-old Charlie Chater.
The Shrewsbury youngster enjoyed a second placed finish in the Fast Eddy Rock Oil Championship and also finished fifth in the GBXC Enduro Sprint Championship using road-legal, FIM approved Bridgestone Gritty enduro tyres.
Mum Claudette believes that some training with the legendary Mick Extance at his off-road experience in Wales has made a big difference to her son.
She said: “Charlie has had a great season and has loved every second of the season. He is now preparing for the winter championship so he is keeping busy!
“He learnt a lot from spending time with Mick Extance, whose guidance and expertise has been invaluable.”
Find out more about Bridgestone’s motocross tyre range here.
