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Alex Gault 2002 - Planning For 2003.............................................................................................................Back To Index
An update on Alex's performance and some news for next year.
As you may know on our recent visit to the European Championships, He came home 11th, the highest placed Brit in the history of the class. At the moment he is leading the ACU National Championships, which was our prime objective for this year.
He is also sitting a very close third in the MMRA's British Championships.
In the last round, in front of his home crowd at Edinburgh, we set the bike up with new tyres (which frankly I cannot afford to do at every round).
The result? He won, scoring more points than any other junior rider; in any of the rounds so far.
He was also very honoured this weekend to receive the offer of a fully sponsored ride in next year's Aprilla challenge. While this is a fantastic opportunity, we had to decline, as both Alex and I agree that he is still too small to race big bikes.
We are already planning for next year. At this point in time it looks like there is going to be a unified National Championship under the mantel of the ACU, and we would like to know if we could count on your continued support for Alex in 2003.
Plans are already afoot to run a British ZPF Minibike team in this championship. To this end I have already secured 4 outstanding riders, and two excellent mechanics.
Discussions with the factory in Italy have confirmed the availability of works machinery for the team and their full back up. We have purchased a transporter, a picture of which is attached, along with an artist's impression of what it could look like for next season. We are therefore in the process of trying to attract a major sponsor for the team.
So as you can see, we do not lie still. In just two years Alex has
Become one of the best and most recognizable riders in minimoto. He has taken the names and logo's of his sponsors throughout the UK and Europe, and on to the podium no fewer than 45 times out of 50 meetings Next year we hope to have the biggest presence in the paddock and on the track.
If you are an individual or company who might be interested in backing this team, please let us know.
Alex and Alex Jnr.
European Trip
Alex now leads the ACU National Pocket Bike Championship, in its inaugural year this series, has and is, creating a lot of interest, and already a great opportunity has arisen. Alex has been offered the chance to compete in the U.E.M. EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.
With two rounds taking place in Italy, one in Germany & one in the Check. Republic, during June and July. This will mean 3 trips to the continent. As I am sure you will agree this is a great opportunity for him, although it is once again, down to funds. As you may know, we did not accept the wild card to race in the Geneva Minimoto Gp. Estimated costs of around £800 was too much for me to pay for one race. So he has had to miss out on that one.
However I feel, if possible he must attend this championship no Britain has ever came higher than 16th in this UEM championship, with the highest placing in one race of 12th, I think there may just be a chance of him bettering that, and the experience alone will be of great use to him in the future.
Now to the point. We need more help, if he is to go I will give my all, but it is not enough. I will be driving to the events; this means hefty fuel bills, ferry crossings and road tolls. However taking the camper will save on accommodation, there is additional costs in licensing and insurance, entry fees and getting the bike to conform to the UEM rules.
If you can help out in any way, no matter how small, with any of the above, it would be of great help to Alex and myself, if you have any tips as to how we could make the trip less expensive please let us know. Of coarse any help will be covered in all press releases by way of sponsor promotion and given priority on the websites, stickers on bikes and vans where available, along with race pictures for your usage, and if you wish to attend any race meeting you will be made most welcome by Alex Junior, myself and our hospitality unit".
Bear in mind, this is an extra championship which was not envisaged at the start of the season, Both Alex and myself, thank you for your continued support towards his British campaign and hope you will not be offended by this letter. It is as much of an update of his progress and an acknowledgment of how your assistance has brought him this success, as an appeal for help.
His next big race is at Donington Park on the 3rd of June.
Thanks again Alex & his dad.
Alex has just been asked to contend a New Era & ACU-backed Championship
The four-round series is to be staged on major tracks alongside big bike meetings. Two rounds will be competed on a purpose built track at Mallory Park in April & October the other two at Donnington Park in June & Silverstone in August. Alex Senior says: "This, I am sure you would agree, will raise Alex's profile to a new high, along with any person or company associated with him"
He has also been invited by the organisers to ride on a wild card basis in the Geneva Minimoto GP in Switzerland on the 4th & 5th of May 2002, & has been asked to contend the Italian championships as part of the ZPF factory team. Sadly, costs rule out both of these wonderful opportunities.
Alex Senior continues: "Although he would love to contend the Italian championship, personally I do not think he is ready to mix it with the best in the world. Give him a few years, though, and it will be a different story"
So what does the future hold for this talented 11 year old?
Alex Senior comments again: "Who knows? What I can say is Alex is only 11 years old and still a child at heart. His mentors think he has an exceptional talent (already nicknaming him The Wizard) & he loves racing motorbikes. If the truth be told he enjoys racing anything.
As long as he is enjoying what he does, I will back him 100%. At the moment I know Alex would like to move to big bikes, for instance JRA 80cc Racing, which he can do legally at age 11.
However, I think he is still too small and would prefer to see him stay on minimoto's for at least another 3 years. Although he has an 80cc Cagiva to practice with, Alex sees the sense of staying with minimoto's until he is big enough to handle the larger bike.
Then there's the little brother Ryan. Up until now he has just been playing on the bikes but at aged just 7, Ryan started racing seriously 4 meetings ago and has won his group every time"
Did you know? Almost all Italian and some of Japan's GP stars served their apprenticeship racing minimoto's as children. Names such as Rossi, Goi, Charello, Barros, Biaggi, & Caperossi, Akoi, Haga & Abe started small.
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