Chad lives the dream

Published on 5th July 2007 in Sport

Shortly after the British GP at Donnington Park last Sunday week, local rider Adam Child took to the same grid in front of the huge crowd and TV cameras.

Adam was racing in the KTM990 cup alongside a long list of experienced international riders. But Chad's lack of racing experience showed as the team decided on the wrong tyre in the drying conditions, which meant he qualified 18th out of 25 riders in the first qualifying session.

Luck wasn't on his side, as the brakes failed towards the end of qualifying, and the second stint of qualifying didn't go to plan either as the team struggled with set-up and the correct gearing. On parts of the track Chad was in the top ten but his overall qualifying position was a disappointing 23rd out of 24.

Upbeat from the support of family and friends, Chad took to the grid in confident mood, battling up to 18th in the first two laps and looking good until the brakes failed on lap two.

Devastated Chad was force to retire and his dream was over.

He told the Goole Times: "The top riders were so quick, but when the bike was running right I could mix it in the top 15, so I have to be positive. I'm gutted I couldn't prove what I could do, especially at such a large event. I had loads of support: my girlfriend Amanda, brother Mark, Roger, Mandy, Lee and Clair all stayed with me throughout the weekend giving me support.

"They kept me motivated when everything was going wrong I just wish I could have ridden like I know I can, and rewarded them with a decent result. I'm still in my first racing year - it's all a learning curve. I'm just going to put the poor result behind me and focus on the next race."

Adam would like to take this opportunity to thank his sponsors, Ken Urwin Motorcycles in Thorne, and www.theFSD.com