Harris Beech poles apart from his rivals

The 12-year-old, from Alveley, put in some blistering laps to take first place during the opening race of round two at Teeside Autodrome in Middlesbrough.

Beech, who is also part of the five-rider MiniGPUK series, was on fire throughout and enjoyed some fast practice and qualifying sessions in dry conditions.

Race one was declared a dry race and he led from the front until the last.

An accident brought the race to an end under red flag conditions but the result saw Beech win the opening British Mini Bikes and Mini GP UK race.

His dad, Richard, who runs the Mini GP UK series, admitted race two did not go to plan because of a technical issues.

But he has signed another four racers in recent weeks to increase the Mini GP UK numbers to nine.

He said: "Race number two is perhaps better not mentioned because five minutes before the race was due to start we had a major downpour and the race was declared wet conditions.

"When we were changing the wheels from dry to wet we suffered with mechanical issues with the motorcycle wheels and unfortunately he missed the race.

"Harris was not happy at all and it was all my fault. But we sold three more bikes at a recent meeting and one before, which has increased the numbers to nine out of the starting grid of 20.

"It's starting to get some momentum now and the aim is to eventually get 15 riders, so we can form our own series."

Richard and Harris have also been asked to represent Mini GP UK at Prescott Hill Climb on the April 17.

The father and son will join 300 other riders, who will all be tasked with scaling the hill as fast as possible.

Richard said: "It's a great day out for all the family whether they are motorcycle enthusiasts or not, with special guests, loads of different bikes on show and loads of market stalls."

The series now travels to the Fulbeck Karting Circuit in Stragglethorpe Lane, Grantham, sponsored by Tim Henry of Valley Commercials in Alveley, over the May Bank Holiday, from April 30 to May 1.