Canberra Twins Target New Two Wheel Challenges
In what is certainly a first for Canberra - and quite possibly Australia - twin brothers James and Andrew Dimmock are currently competing in three very different disciplines of motorcycle racing.
The two boys are taking the next step to motor cycle GP racing after proving they can mix it with the best Australian junior Dirt Track and Speedway riders.
The 11-year-olds are about to rev it up a notch by taking part in "Metrakit" road racing. These 70cc bikes look similar to 125cc GP machines, and are good for speeds of up to 130km/h.
The Spanish-based concept is aimed at preparing junior motorcycle racers for international competition over three years when they can then be on motorcycle racing’s world stage.
After starting as four-year-olds in the 50ccc Pee Wee class, the two boys from Bonython have stood on the podium in Speedway and Dirt Track on both two and four stroke machines.
James won the 2005 ACT Junior Club Championship and the ACT Championships in the 80cc four-stroke category; as well as winning the 2004 NSW Country Dirt Track championship in the 50cc class.
Brother Andrew was the 2003 ACT Junior Dirt Track Club champion in the 50cc category and in the same year came first in the Canberra Cup 50cc class. He has also finished in the top ten at the national level on his KTM 50.
For James, road racing is a natural progression to achieving his dream of racing at the highest level.
“I have done a school project on Casey Stoner, who is leading the MotoGP championship, and he started off racing Dirt Track, then switched to junior Speedway. His parents then took him overseas when he was fourteen to pursue his road racing career” explained James.
“I really like riding the Speedway bike and now the Metrakit race bike” he continued.
“They teach me new things and new challenges when I ride them.”
The two boys are now gearing up to ride at Bega’s South Coast Cup Dirt Track meeting in late August, before James contests the Metrakit National Championship in Victoria on October 5th/6th.
The winner of this meeting will be flown to Valencia, Spain, to represent Australia in the annual Metrakit World Festival, competing against Metrakit juniors from twelve other countries. The second and third placed riders from the Australian championships will be offered the opportunity to attend this same meeting at their own expense.
Their love of motor sport is not surprising, considering their father, Peter Dimmock, enjoyed a successful rally career during the 1980’s and 1990’s. The boy’s great-grandfather competed in the fledgling sport of Speedway in Maitland NSW - which is considered by some to be the birthplace of the sport - back in the 1930’s.
James and Andrew are very appreciative of the support they receive from Valvoline Australia, Robert Nunn from Auto Body Care in Fyshwick, as well as Canberra Creative Trailers.
For more information on James and Andrew Dimmock contact: Peter Dimmock (m) 0413626237.