BRODY Crockford, the son of former British Superbike star John Crockford, has started climbing the ranks of the FAB Racing British Motorcycle racing championship.

Now ten, Brody was not put off by the terrifying crash at Brands Hatch that almost ended his fathers’ life in 2011.

He has made steady progress, firstly through the Scott Redding Youth Riders Academy, then at various national events within the novice class.

Brody, from Blackfield, competed in this year’s FAB Racing British Championship’s Minimoto Pro class, against the fastest young riders in the country.

“He has gone from back of the pack to podium potential,” said John. “Due to my history and the nature of the sport, his mother and I have been in no rush to put Brody into a competitive environment.

“But his confidence on the bike grew as the season went on. From mid-season he put in some amazing performances and was challenging for podium positions.”

Brody finished his first season in ninth place in the Minimoto Pro class, but it was his performances in the MiniGP50 class in the last round at Llandow in South Wales, that shocked the paddock.

Many British MotoGP, World and British Superbike riders have gone through the MiniGP class, including Scott Redding and Danny Kent, and Brody will begin his first full season in the Junior GP Race Series in March 2016.

“Brody will be competing in the Junior Gearbox class aboard a Metrakit GP50 – a 50cc, six speed MiniGP bike,” continued John.

“We bought the bike early to give him the opportunity to try out in the class before season end. To watch the progression between sessions was amazing.

“With very little gearbox experience, he qualified towards the back of the grid, but by the third and final race, he showed great skill and aggression to fight his way through to seventh place, setting a lap time just two seconds off the race winners’ pace.

“He certainly raised a few eyebrows and confirmed him as a championship contender for next year."