Brace of podium finishes for Teenager Liam Delves - The Solihull Observer

Brace of podium finishes for Teenager Liam Delves

Solihull Editorial 8th Jul, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

TEENAGER Liam Delves produced two fantastic performances to earn back-to-back third place finishes in the first British Motostar races at Knockhill over the weekend.

The 14-year-old rode to a fantastic third place in his first race on Saturday and followed that feat up again by coming third the following day to cap of a fine weekend for the young rider.

Delves began to learn his way around the short and technical circuit on Friday in free practice before posting a fast lap during qualifying to secure a seventh row grid position within the mixed grid of Moto3 and GP125 machines for the start of Saturday’s sprint race.

The Smiths Wood Sports College student did not make the best of starts and was sixth in his class after two of the 16 laps.




But he soon got into his race rhythm and passed both Mark Clayton and Cameron Horsman on lap three to take up fourth place before moving up to third on lap ten which is where he remained to take his first ever podium finish in the British Championship.

The Feature race on Sunday was declared wet as there was some drizzle in the air and track was damp and once again Delves started from the seventh row.


He immediately moved up into third place although he was relegated down to fifth on lap two when he became embroiled in a battle for position with a couple of the GP125 bikes.

Delves moved up to fourth on lap seven and then to third on lap nine before passing Josh Owens to secure second place.

Owens and Delves continued to exchange places but the former was able to steal second place on the final lap, forcing Delves to settle for third place again.

“I am so happy I was able to achieve my first podium finish and can hardly believe I could do it again in the second race,” said Delves.

“I have never been to Knockhill before but I soon learned my way around the circuit and discovered it suited me.

“I had a lot of fun out there as we were all exchanging places throughout the race, it was a bit hectic but good clean racing between us.

The two third place finishes earned Delves 32 championship points which move him up fifth place in the rider standings on 97 points.

He added: “I am delighted to have won two third place trophies and also the points that came with them. I have to thank Pete Banks of Banks Racing for putting an amazing bike under me and also all my sponsors for their ongoing support.”

The next round is at Brands Hatch over the weekend of July 17-19 when Delves will be hoping to add to his points and trophy hauls with two good results.

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