Redding aims to find champions of future

RISING motorcycling star Scott Redding is scouting for future riders, writes Tom Dowler.

The 18-year-old from Quedgeley is opening a new racing academy devoted to discovering the champions of tomorrow.

A successful open day was held on December 29 and was attended by more than 200 people – a quarter of them children.

Now Redding is launching his Young Riders Academy tomorrow at the Hullavington Racetrack near Chippenham.

It will be a chance for young riders to gain a taste of MotoGP by trying out mini-moto racing bikes for themselves.

Mini-motos are miniature versions of full-scale racing bikes with 40cc engines and are capable of speeds of anything up to 60mph.

Redding kick-started his own racing career in mini-moto, and the skills he honed helped him become the youngest rider in history to win a Grand Prix when he triumphed in the British 125GP at Donington Park in 2008.

He said: "I wouldn't have been able to get to the Grand Prix paddock without mini-moto, so it's helped my career a lot."

He is now one of the top riders in the Moto2 class for Marc VDS racing, having finished in the top five three times in 2011.

The speedster has already been linked with a MotoGP ride with Ducati in the future.

On the new academy, Redding said: "I want to give youngsters the opportunity to gain experience and I will be available at the academy every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm from January to March 2012 to pass on my experience and advice, not just for the riders but also technical advice for parents."

Booking for this Sunday in advance is advisable but not essential. Contact Simon on 07776 082384 or slegallez@btinternet.com.