Finley is making a name for himself ...

...so much so he has already got his photograph on Penwortham Priory Academy’s Hall of Fame.

 

Year 10 pupil Finley Beard, 15, is a motocross champion and already has a list of titles to his name including the Big Wheel 85cc crown in 2016 and last year he won the 125cc British title, where he was up against boys aged up to 17. He also competed for a world title last summer, in the FIM World Youth Motocross Championships, but a ligament injury ended his hopes.

 

This year he will defend his title in the 125cc event, he will compete against riders on a 250cc bike in the Maxxis British Motocross Championships and he will also compete in the European Championships on his 125cc bike, travelling to the Netherlands, France and Germany from March onwards. Only 80 riders qualify for the Euro event.

 

It means every weekend will be taken up – and his prowess in the motocross field has now been recognised in the Dirt Bike Rider Magazine.

 

“They had a picture of me in the magazine, we bought it and have got the picture framed,” said Finley, who is part of the Putoline Husqvarna Planet Racing Scotland team. “We decided to donate it to the school and I am going to sign it.

 

“There are various signed football shirts as well as other people who have donated signed items for Priory’s walls so I am proud if my photo will be up there as well.

 

“It’s a big year for me. I am also studying for my GCSEs where my targets are high grades so all my time is about studying and motocross. I don’t have time for anything else.”