Ben Whalley: Young Star Riding for Gold

This month, Truckstops have a champion in their midst… Ben Whalley, the youngest ever champion of the NZ Solo Motorcycle Speedway Champs held at Moore Park Speedway in Christchurch.

At a mere 18 years old, the 2^nd year apprentice at Truckstops Christchurch competed at the Solo Speedway Champs and took out the top overall spot after a solid day of racing.  Contributing to the points-based overall win were a qualifying heat (1^st), a semi-final (2^nd), and 3 finals races (1^st, 1^st, 3^rd) – an impressive effort to say the least!  Last year’s champs day led him into the semi-finals but no further.  Ben was hoping he’d make the finals this year and managed to absolutely smash that goal!

Whalley started riding speedway about 8 years ago as his Grandad had a passion for it, and he needed something to do.  Grandad Whalley is somewhat of a hero to young Ben, with his great morals and a fantastic work ethic.  He is also Ben’s pit crew at races and keeps his bike running reliably and fast… “There’s no point in being the fastest rider if the gear isn’t up to scratch,” Ben notes.

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“The whole branch is extremely proud of Ben.  He is a very quiet, humble young man with a huge future – not just in speedway, but also in the road transport world.  The sort of commitment needed to achieve this at such a young age is inspirational to all of us.”

                                                                                                                         – Nigel Broadhead, Truckstops Christchurch Branch Manager

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Ben is racing in two more events throughout February: the Burt Munro Challenge and the Ronnie Moore Memorial.  Keep an eye out for this talented young man in the national scene.  Well done Ben!