Pint-sized racing sensation Jake Hayes heads to Calgary this weekend for the Alberta Mini Roadracing Association Canadian Nationals.
The mini road-racing event will see the 10-year-old racing his motorcycle against much older kids.
Hayes had home track advantage at this same event last year, winning two races and finishing second in another.
Repeating those results on a foreign track would be a major feat.
At this point, it would be foolish to bet against the young rider, who beats adults on a regular basis at Chilliwack’s Greg Moore Raceway.
Hayes had an adventurous weekend the last time he raced.
On June 23 at the GMR, during a qualifying run for the expert class, the kid wiped out in a crash that was severe enough to break his helmet.
It was his first time competing in that class, and his dad, Norm, waited anxiously until the race was over before rushing to his son’s side.
Unfortunately, Norm didn’t get permission from the race director to go onto the track. He was fined, as was the pit crew.
And even though Jake had secured the pole position for two races, he was forced to start at the back of the grid.
Undaunted, the four-foot-four 54-pounder went from last to first to win the Spec Supersport and Formula Thunder races.
He fought his way through seven riders to finish sixth in the expert class race, running his fastest time ever.
He set two track records in the process.
“I took full responsibility for my mistake, and it was a learning lesson for Dad,” Norm chuckled. “But the crowd was going crazy, and I think he should start last all the time.”
Each weekend brings Jake more notoriety.
Three weeks ago, he had a training session with Misti Hurst, a renowned coach who lives in Maple Ridge but teaches at the world famous California Superbike School.
And prior to his last races, he was given a set of high-end Italian-made PMT tires.
“All he had to do was stand beside his bike, smile, and report back to the distributer in Italy,” Norm said. “We sent pictures to them after the races, and we got back messages of congratulations in Italian. He’s getting known in The United States, China and mow Italy. His Facebook page looks like a United Nations of supporters. So cool!”
Get more info online at jakehayesracing.com and get the full GMR schedule at westcoastkartclub.com/greg-moore-raceway/