RESULT: Reynolds storms to Coventry Junior Prix title

Nine year old Jack Reynolds recorded an immaculate 20 point maximum in the Galaxy Seating Coventry Junior Prix, under floodlights on Wednesday evening.

It was a very mild October evening, which saw a commercial floodlight tower erected in the middle of the centre green to accommodate the 15 young riders from Coventry’s ever growing youth system.

Lee Marsh and Myke Grimes address the excited riders before the match. Photo by Louise Walters.

Lee Marsh and Myke Grimes address the excited riders before the match. Photo by Louise Walters.

The 20 heat formula was ran in an Olympic formula over 3 laps, meaning Reynolds had to do it from the back each time. Sam Slatter, Lewis Cairns and Daniel Smith all tied on 17 points, forcing a run off for second, third and fourth place.

It was Lewis Cairns who rocketed off grid 4 to take the win, in only his third week of racing. Coventry’s most improved rider of 2015, Sam Slatter secured third place ahead of Daniel Smith, only his second time on a Cycle Speedway bike, recording an impressive fourth place for the nine year old.

Other newcomer Dior Graham won the women’s title with some powerful gating and really looks like a fantastic prospect for Ladies’ Cycle Speedway.

Liam Jones had his best return to date, securing a well earned 15 points, along with debutant Charlie Smith impressing in his first ever set of races. George Walters, cousin of Mason and Bailie Phillips has progressed nicely, along with Jacob Slezak who both battled hard for their 13 points.

Young Mason Bowen had two impressive heat wins against older riders to finish on 11, whilst one of the smallest riders in the competition, pocket rocket Alex Jones, earned himself a credible 10 points on the heavy track. James Morris showed off his quick starts to secure some solid points, also finishing on 10.

Newcomers Abbie Waldron and Autumn Smith, step-daughter of Myke Grimes, deserved more for their efforts on the difficult track conditions, but both never gave up and chased right until the end. Neither did young Finlay Yousen, who has come so far in such a short amount of time and will be on the pace with the big kids in no time!

All riders rode exceptionally well, and most importantly with a smile on their faces, as an enjoyable time was certainly had by riders, parents and officials.

All the competitors. Photo by Louise Walters.

All the competitors. Photo by Louise Walters.

Results

1: Jack Reynolds 20
2: Lewis Cairns 17 (After run-off)
3: Sam Slatter 17
4: Daniel Smith 17
5: Dior Graham (Girls winner) 15
6: Liam Jones 15
7: Charlie Smith 15
8: George Walters 13
9: Jacob Slezak 13
10: Mason Bowen 11
11: Alex Jones 10
12: James Morris 10
13: Abbie Waldron 8
14: Autumn Smith 7
15: Finlay Yousen 6
16: Jude Willcockson DNR