3:30pm Friday 19th March 2010
By Alexandra Womack
A TEENAGER from Yate is following his brother’s well-ridden path to glory on the race track.
Fourteen-year-old Luke Hedger has embarked on his racing career after completing his first professional race on his GP 125 Kawasaki.
Luke, of Dursley Close, is hoping to emulate the success of his older brother Danny, who was the mini-motors British Champion in 2007.
Their mum Julie said: "Luke did so well, he was immense for his first weekend. For his first round we were really impressed. We didn’t even know he could do half of what he did."
The family, including dad Lee and youngest brother Max, five, have given up hours of their time to support Danny and Luke and turned their garage into a workshop and repair centre.
They fund both brothers and Lee, a carpet fitter, is on hand for tyre changes and to make any repairs at race weekends.
Luke’s first taste of competitive racing was at Mallory Park in Leicester. He was up against stiff competition from British Superbikes teams but managed to qualify 12th out of 26 on an old set of tyres.
He had three good finishes and came third in the event’s runners cup taking home his first trophy for the year.
"It was a brilliant start to his year and we are hoping for much of the same at his next round which will be held at Pembrey in Wales on April 10 and 11," said Julie, 34.
Danny will also compete in Wales and the family is appealing for sponsorship or support from local businesses and organisations.
"We are a family-run team and have no funding so do find it difficult to keep the boys in racing," said Julie. "We really need help to keep them going so if anyone can help please ring us on 01454 325416."
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