Ace Rowson gets his big breakthrough

Shropshire moto-cross ace Ray Rowson will become a full-factory rider in 2009, after signing a deal with the British based CCM Racing team.Rowson, of Pontesbury, will compete aboard CCM's state of the art CMX 450cc machine in 2009, in a deal which will see him compete in the Maxxis British Motocross Championship, along with the FIM MX1 World Motocross Championship.

The news comes after a difficult 2008 season to date for Rowson, whose speed and determination has been hampered by injury.

However, some gritty performances on the track have caused Rowson to be earmarked by many within the sport, including CCM Sporting Director, four-time World champion, David Thorpe.

"With Ray being out due to injury for the first half the year it's been impossible to gauge his progress, but since returning to racing has looked strong," said Thorpe.

"I think Ray will really benefit from our winter training programme and can arrive at the start of the 2009 season as a stronger, fitter and more complete rider."

Rowsons's bike for the 2009 season, the CCM CMX 450, is a factory bike, unavailable for the public to buy, and Rowson is relishing the chance to compete on the bike in 2009.