AX Supermini class of 2019 unveiled

A dozen lucky 11-to-14-year-olds have been selected to contest the first single-make race series ever to be staged in the history of the Arenacross Tour, namely the Team Green Supermini Cup.

The chosen riders were revealed on the Arenacross stand at the NEC’s Motorcycle Live last Saturday, where they got to meet the class co-ordinator Andrew Savery, of Wheeldon Off-Road Centre fame, and Kawasaki UK’s racing co-ordinator Ross Burridge, together with the Arenacross crew, with series hosts (and Team Green manager) Jeff Perrett and Matt Crowhurst. It was also the first time that the lads had a chance to get together and chat about their upcoming golden racing opportunity with Arenacross.

11 of the Super 12 were present at Motorcycle Live and got to draw their race numbers for the series. They clearly weren’t fazed at being under the media spotlight, which should stand them in good stead for when they get to appear, and race, in front of thousands and thousands of Arenacross fans when the Tour gets underway in January next year.

The Team Green Supermini Cup 2019 crew, who will travel to the six-round, three-city Tour from all corners of the UK, are:

• #1 Jago Beasty (14), Yorkshire
• #2 Charlie Reynolds (13) Surrey
• #3 Drew McCreanor (14), Northern Ireland
• #4 Alfie Jones (13) from Surrey
• #5 Wal Beaney (11), Cambridge
• #6 Boston Gilbert (12), Sussex
• #7 Tom Harris (14), Norfolk
• #8 Arai Elcock (12), Lancashire
• #9 Raife Broadley (14) Kent
• #10 Charlie Palmer (14), Gloucestershire
• #11 Ethan Sills (14), Herefordshire
• #12 Hudson Roper (13) Yorkshire

The Team Green Supermini Cup presents a massive opportunity for these talented young riders who were hand-picked by a panel of judges for their proven skill, determination and past results.

Perrett, who played pivotal in the rider selection, said: “It’s going to be pretty cool seeing some of the best 85cc riders in the country all go at it on a level playing field. And by ‘level’ I don’t mean the track because that will be anything but!

“Fair play to Matt [Bates] and Ross [Burridge] for pulling this together. I was notified discussions were in progress early on, so I was delighted when they told me it was actually happening.

“Obviously as team manager of the Team Green MX UK team it’s going to be good to see more top talent out there on green bikes and it’s all going to be down to their skill and desire, and of course a little bit of luck to see who is going to come out on top and take home their bike.

“I think it’s a great concept, not only because they get to keep all their gear and let’s be honest, Bell, Oakley, Thor, and Alpinestar are top, top brands but more so because all the bikes are going to be the same and, of course, will put all the emphasis on the rider.

“I’m excited to see these 12 talented lads go at it and I look forward to calling the races in front of packed out arenas. They’re a good bunch of lads so I think it will be fun for them too, but as they’ll all really want to beat each other, the racing will be intense. What’s not to like about that?”

Interestingly, only three of the riders – Jago Beasty, Arai Elcock and Raife Broadley – have previously contested Arenacross. Considering that, apart from suspension setting and handlebar bends, all the KX85s will be identical, the stage is set for a close and ultra-competitive championship.

Next on the Team Green Supermini journey, is a trip to Wheeldon Off-Road Centre for suspension set-up and training.

Arenacross Tour tickets are on sale now, with prices from just £12 for a child visitor on Friday evenings, and substantial discounts available for two-night tickets. Arena doors will open at 6pm, with the opening ceremony getting underway at 7.30pm.