Aprilia Superteen Challenge leader Rory Skinner is set to make his debut in the British Superbike paddock next month when he competes as a wild-card in the two Moriwaki 250 Junior Cup races at Brands Hatch, on July 19 and 20.
The talented 12-year-old from Perth, in Scotland, will line up against more than 20 of Europe’s most talented youngsters, who will all be riding identical Moriwaki MD250H machinery prepared by the Dutch Ten Kate Racing operation, the team behind the official Honda World Superbike team.
Rory, who attends Perth High School, faces a steep learning curve, having never raced either on the Grand Prix layout at the famous Kent circuit, nor on four-stroke race bike. However the pre-teen racer, who has won 10 of his 18 races in the Aprilia Superteens this year, remains unfazed by moving into the European series, which features riders representing 11 nations.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to racing in the Moriwaki 250 Junior Cup at one of the most famous circuits in the world. It’s been a fantastic season so far in the Aprilia Superteens and when the opportunity came to take a wild-card I just couldn’t refuse! It’s a series that I have been following closely and I know that I am going to be up against some great riders. At every round the lap times are really fast and really close, with lots of riders capable of winning.
“This will be my first time on the full Grand Prix circuit at Brands Hatch, my first time on the bike and my first time racing in front of a big crowd at the British Superbike Championship. It’s all going to provide me with a real challenge but as a racer that’s exactly the kind of opportunity that you dream off and I can’t wait to get out and test myself.”
Rory’s ride at Brands Hatch is being supported by bike insurance specialists Bennetts, while riding coach Neil Hodgson, the former British and World Superbike Champion, will be at Brands Hatch to support Skinner and offer practical riding advice.
For more information on Rory Skinner, please visit www.roryskinner.com