FOLLOWING in the footsteps of his friend, Ewan Gray, another young Brechin boy, Maisondieu Primary School pupil Ryan Watson, is showing great potential in the motorcycle racing world.
After a difficult season (2009), Ryan has claimed third place in the British Metrakit Championships in the 70cc MiniGP class run by FAB Racing.
Run over ten rounds on various tracks across England and Wales, Metrakit racing is now becoming an increasingly popular stepping stone from minimoto racing to 125cc road racing.
Ryan started racing bikes at the age of eight. He quickly showed great ability and, in his first season, achieved best newcomer to the Scottish Minimoto Championships in 2006.
Over the next two years, Ryan won national recognition of his talent, becoming the Scottish Minimoto Champion in the under-10 year age group in 2007 and runner-up in 2008 in the 10-14 year age group.
After a successful three years racing minimotos, Ryan progressed last year to the more challenging area of Metrakit/MiniGP racing.
Metrakit bikes are road race competition motorbikes of reduced size and weight.
They are suitable for children aged between nine and 16 years, who wish to compete in motorbike road racing and help them to develop the skills of riding a geared bike in a competitive setting.
The bikes are designed to match those used in the Moto Grand Prix. They come in various engine sizes, from 50cc-80cc, have six gears and are capable of a top speed in excess of 100mph
Ryan's dad, Keith Watson, said he was extremely proud of his son's achievements to date.
Ryan has shown great determination to succeed in a very competitive sport, even choosing to ride last year with a broken wrist to secure vital points in the Metrakit Championships," he explained.
Ryan, is generally modest about his achievements.
Ryan Watson with some of his haul of silverware, which he has picked up in competing the length and breadth of the UK.
"If it wasn't for the continued support of my parents and the knowledge and skills of Gordon Work, a family friend, none of this would be possible. Gordon does a lot of work on the bikes and is a highly skilled mechanic who keeps us on the road."
Ryan, now 12 years old, is eligible to sit his ACU Race Licence in February which will allow him to, once again, progress to bigger and faster bikes.
Hoping to build on last year's success, Ryan will be seen racing at Knockhill, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Mallory Park to mention but a few, alongside some of the major biking events of the year, British Superbikes and the British round of the Moto Grand Prix.
Most importantly of all, Ryan is on the look out for some sponsorship to keep him at the top of his sport.
If you would like any further information on Ryan's career to date or would like to sponsor this local talent, you can contact Keith Watson by telephoning 07939241152 or via e-mail (keithwatson200@hotmail.com).
