Denmead teenager John Stanley plots path into adult ranks of Enduro motorbike racing

The Denmead teenager has collected a number of championship titles at youth level since first competing competitively aged 10.

Stanley, who attends Cowplain School, was British youth champion three years ago and has also won 12 other competition trophies.

Now 14, the youth prospect is plotting his path into the adult ranks.

Stanley is already taking part in senior races at his Raw Enduro club in the Lake District.

It's allowing him the chance to gain valuable experience as he eyes more championship success in Britain and Europe once he makes the step up to the adult ranks when he turns 16.

‘When I’m a bit older I’m hoping to do the world round in France,' said Stanley.

‘It’s part of the world championship series.

‘I’ve been given permission to ride with Raw Enduro in the adult class and I’ve got one more year as a youth where I’m going to take part in the ACU events.

‘But when I turn 16 I’ll be into the ACU British Championship events.

‘We’re going to do all of the British stuff next year when I’m 16 and then I want to try to give some European races a go.

‘But after that it’s a case of waiting and seeing how things go with regards to the world stuff.'

Enduro racing provides riders with an examination of stamina as well as ability.

Races take place on tracks with tricky terrain and can last anywhere between two and 10 hours on different stroke motorbikes.

Stanley started his competitive career with a 65cc engine but is now on a 125cc bike less than four years later.

Action has been limited since the coronavirus outbreak.

He's been able to race just once since February - a meet in the Lake District last month.

Stanley plans to use the rest of the year continuing to get used to his higher- powered motorbike.

'I’m not really chasing anything at the moment,' he remarked

‘The transition from the 85cc to the 125cc is such a big move, it’s ideal for me this year to make the transition without the pressure of all the competitions.

‘It’s a lot nicer because the wheels just glide over rocks and stuff, whereas the smaller wheels would catch on everything.

‘The main difference has been the height for me as I’m not very tall.

'We’re back up north again this weekend for our next event.

‘I’ve got a training day with one of the top Dakar riders to come as well.'

Anyone interesting in sponsoring Stanley can email [email protected]