Cookstown brothers, Boyd and Sonny Knipe head into the 2024 Irish Minibike Championship, with backing from Swords haulage firm, VTL! VTL is owned by Thomas ‘Tossie’ Fitzsimmons, who admits to having a strong passion for motorcycling here in Ireland. Under the banner of VTL/TAG Racing Ireland, Tossie has sponsored many top riders from minibikes, to BSB and the IOM TT. With their Dad, a former short circuit competitor, it came as no surprise, that the youngsters would inherit a love for motorcycling, and with the Irish Minibike Championship, a flourishing young club, a bonus, providing the ideal platform for learning their tarmac race craft. Both youngsters will have a busy season ahead and will compete in the ten-round IMC series this season and a few selected rounds of the BMB JSM 90 meetings.
Eight-year-old Boyd is now entering his fourth season of racing, The Primary five pupil, whose career was kick-started when former Irish short circuit champion, and family friend, Baylon McCaughey sponsored him, with a new BamBam machine, despite never having ridden a motorcycle before, Boyd didn’t disappoint, showing great bravery to take 5th in the IMC BamBam championship in his rookie season. With backing from Tag Racing Irl, Boyd improved to fourth place in the 2022 championship, but it was last year’s performances, that had everyone talking. Despite taking Five overall wins, compared to championship winner Leon Simpson’s four, Boyd had to settle for second place, just 12 points adrift.
In the Junior Gearbox championship, Boyd only joined the class at round four, he quickly adapted to the gearbox machine, and ended the season in third place in the championship! In 17 races he contested last year, Boyd’s consistency saw him finish on the podium on no less than 15 occasions!
There cannot be too many 6-year-old competitors, who will have changed teams just after one season, but Sonny Boyd has done just that! The Primary 3 pupil started his tarmac career last year with Boss-E racing and scored a best result of 13th, in the BamBam class, which regularly boasts a grid of 20 competitors. Like older brother Boyd, Sonny will ride for Tossie Fitzsimmons VTL/TAG Racing Irl race team, both lads resplendent in their new colour scheme for the 2024 season. Boyd and Sonny would like to say a Big Thank You to their sponsors for 2024, Tossie @ VTL Vanfleet Transport Ltd TAG Racing Ireland Harris Group, KW Electrical Services Ltd Scotland, Boss-E Racing, Baylon McCaughey (Bean Mac), Mum, Dad, family and friends.
The Irish Minibike Championship provides all members, regardless of age, ability, or ambition with cost-effective and much sought-after track time in a competitive yet family-friendly environment. IMC is dedicated to making the Sport of MiniBike Racing inclusive, accessible, and affordable to all and we hope to introduce many – young and young at heart – to this fun grassroots form of racing. From their inaugural season in 2018, Membership has quadrupled and interest exceeded all expectations –no doubt that the trend will continue as they move into their 7th season in 2024. Minibike Racing is one of the fastest-growing Motorsports in the UK – why not join the Irish Minibike Championship – learn new skills, hone some existing ones, and have a ‘bitta craic’ along the way? The future is bright – be a part of it! www.irishminibikechampionship.co.uk
