Home builder gives speedy duo a boost

Tue, Oct 31st 2006, 11:00

A promising young motor cross duo - sponsored by house builder Redrow - wowed the crowds at the Weston-Super-Mare beach race on Sunday.

Step-brothers Ryan Carter and Mitchell Bligh, both 12, had their Suzuki RM85 motor bikes decked out in Redrow’s colours as they tore up the tracks in front of an estimated 10,000 spectators.

The boys have only been racing for two years and are already ranked in the top 10 at their respective motor cross clubs. At the weekend, they got the opportunity to pit their wits against the best young riders in the country.

Steve Carter, the boys’ coach said: "The event was absolutely brilliant. The atmosphere was excellent and the boys both had great races.

"We are delighted that Redrow are sponsoring Ryan and Mitchell and also proud to dress the bikes up with the company’s trademark red and white markings. The boys’ progress in the motor cross sport has been aided no end by Redrow’s backing in such a high profile race."

To celebrate the race, Ryan and Mitchell also took a tethered ride in the Redrow hot air balloon that was at the event throughout the weekend.

The boys were in esteemed company over the weekend, as reigning motor cross world champion Stefan Everts, competed in a main event on the Saturday. Everts was favourite for the event after winning the motor cross of nations competition held in Winchester, in September - attended by more than 100,000 people.

The prestigious Weston-Super-Mare beach race is regarded as one of the biggest races on the motor cross calendar. More than 40,000 people were expected to turn up over the weekend to cheer on more than 1,400 competitors taking part across three classes- including three separate races for youth riders – over five times the number of participants that took part in the inaugural event back in 1982.

The introduction of the youth classes last year has set the scene for young riders, like Mitchell and Ryan, to hone their skills for future success. The entire front at Weston-super-Mare was given over to the beach race and a fun fair, trade site and other family activities were all in full swing for the duration of the event. While extra shows like the monster trucks or quad freestyle display on the beach all added to the weekend experience.

Sponsorship of Ryan and Mitchell – as well as being one of the major sponsors of the event itself - is an example of the many ways in which Redrow offers support to the communities in which it builds, especially in the areas of sport, education and the arts.

Sponsorships, charity fundraising, employee volunteering and other initiatives have helped Redrow to retain the Business in the Community % Standard for three consecutive years, a voluntary benchmark which recognises companies that give at least one percent of their profits back to the community.

Redrow is currently redeveloping one of Weston’s landmarks, Knightstone Island, including the renovation and conversion of three Grade II listed buildings – the Pavilion Theatre, Edwardian Swimming Baths and Dr Fox’s Bath House – into apartments, duplexes and penthouses, alongside the creation of two stunning contemporary apartment buildings.

For more information about Redrow, its ties with the community and developments across the South West, including Knightstone Island, visit www.redrow.co.uk.

For details of the Weston Beach Race, including the verified results, visit www.wbruk.com.