Minimoto Mayhem

- Alessandro 'A-Force' Fagano

Throttle pinned, teetering on the powerband, awkwardly contorting over my miniscule steed, the Christmas extremities lurking between fresh rolls of flab were palpable. Squeezing every fraction of throttle tube and trying to at least look fast, I assume I’m flying. But then Fraser Rogers – one of the UK’s juiciest road racing talents and top Kawasaki in last season’s BSB Stock 1000s – whizzes past and slams my visor shut like we’re on a bloody fairground ride. I felt like crying.

CRASH FEST

This is the time of year I’m reminded of being overweight for many reasons. The now annual post-Xmas minimoto endurance race has been resident at Swindon Karting Arena for several years now, manifesting into the biggest minimoto race in the UK and a who’s-who of motorcycle racing. With several months either side of the racing season, it’s also a good chance to meet with racing buddies from around the scene at what’s essential a social event. The likes of Scott Redding, Danny Kent and James Hillier have been regulars in recent times, although they sat out 2016’s turkey burning festival – probably due to the carnage of last year. I recall Hillier spending more time crashing his bike than riding it.