YOUNG racing driver Liam Delves has issued a passionate plea for funding after a devastating crash left him with severe bruising and a destroyed bike which has put the remainder of his season in jeopardy.
After taking a fifth and then a third in the two sprint races at Brands Hatch on Saturday, the 16-year-old suffered a bad crash in Sunday’s warm-up after falling heavily at Paddock Hill at the start of the lap.
The teenager got away with some bruising and was winded after the high speed crash, but the bike was not so lucky and it is understood that it will cost at least £8,000 to repair.
It means that Delves’ progression in the moto3 standard class of the 2016 Performance British Motostar Championships is at risk.
“On examining the bike it seems there are at least three cracks in the frame, the forks etc are all unusable and to be honest it’s a write off,” said Delves.
“A new bike will cost us at least £8,000 which we simply do not have. Unless we can raise some money in a hurry then unfortunately that’s the end of my season.
“I appeal to anyone out there that would like to contribute towards the cost of a new bike to get in touch. It is really disappointing for the team as I was going well and beginning to get on the podium again.
“Thanks to Oxford Products for the HJC helmet, Bikerswear for boots and gloves and Scott Leathers as they went a long way to saving me from harm.
“I would like to thank all my sponsors and supporters for their help this year and hope we can somehow get some money together to get me back out there.”
Delves had gone into Sunday’s practice high in confidence after taking a fifth and third in the two sprint races on Saturday.
The Smiths Wood Sports College Student began the first of two ten lap races in ninth row across a grid of mixed riders in the British Motostar Moto3 GP and Moto 3 Standard class championship.
Delves started fifth in his class and although he did not get the best of starts, he was able to make up room the riders ahead of him and eventually picked up two players to finish fifth at the chequered flag.
The second race was the postponed race from Silverstone from earlier in the where the standard Moto 3 riders were mixed with the Moriwaki 250 Cup on the grid.
Delves started from the third row and was locked in a five-way battle for position throughout the ten laps.
He moved up second by the seventh lap however the Moriwaka riders held Delves up and allowed Thomas Strudwick and Mark Clayton.
By this point there was time for Delves to try and get round Clayton and he did just that to take third spot.
Speaking after, Delves said: “It was a great result. I had a really good battle with Thomas Strudwick and he just pipped me across the Finish line for second place.”
Now attentions turn to Delves’ bike and the young rider is asking anyone who might be in a position to repair it to get in touch via his Facebook page.
