It's something no other kid in North America can lay claim to.
Racer Jake Hayes, 13, of Chilliwack is heading to France this fall to attend a motorcycle racing school in Marseille, be evaluated, and to compete in two races.
"Lots has happened in the last four years as he has become the most winningest rider in Canada," explains Jake's dad, Norm Hayes.
The invitation has a lot of people excited.
"This has never happened to any kid in Canada or North America. This is a really big opportunity as the team that will evaluate him is an actual MotoGP team, which is the equivalent of Formula 1 for cars."
Those running the school confirmed with his family that this chance has never been extended to a Canadian racer before.
Friends and family of the young moto rider are hosting an Aug. 28 fundraiser at Society Gathering House, 9254 Nowell. Tickets are $15 for a burger and a beer and it starts at 6 p.m.
They're raising funds to offset all the travel expenses.
Local racing enthusiast Claude Desrosiers called it "an opportunity of a lifetime" for the Chilliwack teen to attend the school considered a "gateway" to Grand Prix racing for a select few.
"We believe that Jake has what it takes to be in the select few," he wrote in an online post. "Please help us send Jake to France. Please come and support this amazing kid."
http://m.facebook.com/events/1617732385174159
Or donations via e-transfer can be sent to :
racetrackmarketing@gmail.com
Funds will go directly into a new account set up for Jake Hayes.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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