NOT even a 90mph crash could knock Lochore race ace Lennon Docherty off his stride as he enjoyed a successful end to his motorcycling year.

The talented 13-year-old, of New Flockhouse, has enjoyed some impressive performances whilst competing south of the border in the Kawasaki Cup competition and he wasn't going to allow a high-speed collision to prevent him from reaching the podium.

Having passed his rider assessment at Brands Hatch in July, Lennon went on to take part in his first Kawasaki Cup race riding a Kawasaki Ninja 300 at Caldwell Park in Lincolnshire, where he managed one runners-up spot and three third places.

At the beginning of September, he headed for Donnington Park, Derbyshire, but although he didn’t get off to the best of starts, his fortunes soon turned in fine style.

“Lennon started way too fast without really knowing the track, and he crashed at 90mph at the first corner in practice,” dad William explained.

“Luckily he was ok and we managed to borrow some spares for him to finish third and within three seconds.

“After that, there was a rule change in Scotland which allowed him to race his Kawasaki 300. Having never ridden on the big track, I am pleased to say Lennon won all three races at his home track.”

That achievement at Knockhill was followed by the final round of the Bemsee Championship, which was held at the full Brands Hatch GP circuit – another venue that he had yet to compete at.

William continued: “The weather was absolutely horrendous with bad wind and heavy rain all weekend.

“Lennon finished second in both Saturday races. He came into the Sunday races with even worse conditions, and again in the first race, he finished second. He headed out for the last meeting and, after a great start, took the lead which he held for three laps before the race was red flagged.

“All riders were led back to the start grid where they were sitting for 10 minutes or so with tyres getting cold, which is not ideal, and also the riders were put back to original start positions, which put Lennon further back, but he had another great start and took the victory to finish off the year.

“This let Lennon finish third overall in the championship He couldn’t finish any higher as we missed the first four races.”

William added that he wished to express his thanks to the Times for their support of Lennon in his motorcycling, as well as the Benarty Matters Facebook page, all who provide help or support and his sponsors – Bonthrones Plumbing and Heating; Mark Hadden Painter and Decorator; Paws for a night; Ringtone Racepainter; Claire’s Nailz; and Doc Fit Training.