DESPITE two serious injuries being incurred in 2019 following his sports, a Ballingry 12 year-old motorbiker is ready to step up in grade.

Lennon Docherty, from New Flockhouse, has been racing for a number of years in the UK Mini Moto championship and had it not been for two serious injury set-backs could well have signed off by taking the overall title this year.

Lennon, who went to St Columba’s High School in August, suffered ligament damage playing for Lochgelly Albert Colts in the spring and that curtailed his biking.

But he recovered his fitness, got back in the saddle and was picking up points regularly appearing on the podium, then came another injury blow.

He was racing his Mini Moto at Knockhill when a collision saw him break a foot.

Said Lennon: “It was a major set-back and I spent several weeks on crutches and was itching to get back on the bike and in a few weeks I was able to get back in the saddle again.

“I had a really good season and did not miss out on a podium place when I raced and it kept the points total turning over.

“At the end of the season I finished runner-up to Cumbrian racer, Colby Perry, which was a little disappointing but I was just pleased to be able to race regularly.”

This winter Lennon is preparing to step up to the Scottish 125 Championship category in the spring.

Said his dad William: “It will be a big step-up, but he will be looking to practice over the winter months on his Mini Motocross bike, which is much bigger than the Mini Moto racers and hopefully he will be able to get some time practising on the 125 he has now.

“It is a different animal and the 10 lap races will be more demanding physically than the Mini Moto racing but Lennon is up for the challenge.”

Added the young racer: “I hope to get plenty of practising done before the season starts in April at the Crail track and I am looking forward to handling the bigger machine.”

Lennon has four sponsors backing him in 2020, Bonthrones Plumbing and Heating; Mark HADDEN Painter and Decorator; Paws for A Night; and Ringtone Racepainter, but he would like to have more as the season approaches.

Added his dad: “The support of the sponsors is important and if we could get a couple more it would help Lennon’s cause.

“We are not looking for the volume of wins Lennon has experienced in the Mini Moto series but he will want to settle in quickly and make good progress.”