A year to remember for rising motocross star (From Gazette Series)

A year to remember for rising motocross star

RIDING in competitive motocross since the age of 10 and gradually progressing from youth into the adult ranks, 19 year-old Lee Dunham, son of Wotton Motor Centre proprietor Mike, has just enjoyed his most successful season to date.

During 2004,Lee represented his country in the IMBA 125cc European motocross championship,finished 8th overall in the main National AMCA 125cc championship and also claimed the KWS International series AMCA 125cc title.

At Aston Eyre,near Bridgnorth, Lee made his debut for his country in the British round of the IMBA European championship. So well did he ride in earning 6th overall that he was later to be selected for the team again, competing in Talensac, France, Kleinhau in Germany and finally Eriswil in Switzerland.

Finishing a fine 10th overall in both France and Germany, Lee completed the season in fantastic style by winning the only race to be held in a very wet Swiss event, the conditions so bad that the meeting was eventually abandoned.

In the main National AMCA 125cc championship,after injuring his back in the opening round at Welshpool, Lee gradually got stronger and faster as the series unfolded.Competing in only his second season of championship action, Lee was eventually racing with the front runners,his season again finishing on a high note.

At a wet final round held at Bromsberrow near Ledbury, Lee finished 3rd overall and on the podium.

Capping a fantastic 2004, Lee was also to win the KWS International series AMCA 125cc title. Competing over five rounds,the meetings also included racing for the top professional and youth riders. Always in contention, he snatched the title away from rival Ray Syson during the final round held in Cumbria.

For the future,Lee's aim is to keep learning and improving his undoubted talent in the process keeping his place in the British IMBA team and ultimately eventually resulting in winning the main AMCA 125cc National championship.