A COUNTY racing star is hoping for more of the same in 2014, after capping a successful 2013 season by becoming the youngest ever Lightweight and Scottish Open champion.

Lewis Rollo, 14, received special dispensation to ride the 450cc Aprilia after his success the previous year, when he was British champion in the Thundersport Aprilia 125s.

Because he was not old enough to ride in the 450cc class, he had to receive permission from the Scottish Auto Cycle Union to take part.

The season did not get off to a prosperous start south of the Border, with the cold weather not helping Rollo’s racing.

The Knox Academy pupil was unable to keep the heat in the tyres due to his light weight, which meant as soon as the tyre warmers came off, the tyres went hard, causing Rollo numerous problems as he was struggling to stay on the bike.

An improvement in weather was what ignited an upturn in form for the youngster, who lives just outside Haddington.

Rollo was spotted by Mark Hodgson, father of former superbike world champion Neil Hodgson, and was asked to ride for Hodgson’s team in Assen, Netherlands, at the British Superbike Championship.

Rollo, taking to the track for the first time, came second in the 125 GP round, adding to the county rider’s experience and bringing Hodgson’s first podium place at the track.

Rollo showed his bravery by competing at the last round at East Fortune, nursing broken ribs and a punctured lung after being airlifted to Bangor Hospital in Wales three weeks earlier.

Despite not competing in all the Scottish rounds, he won the Melville round and came second in the Knockhill round to help claim the Scottish title with a 20-point lead and become the youngest person ever to win it.

Melville Motor Club, the home club at East Fortune, recognised his achievement with a special award.

Rollo, speaking to Courier Sport, said: “It was a really good year.

“The best moment was when I won the Scottish Championship and became the youngest person to do it. I was really proud about that.” The family thanked all the supporters and sponsors over the past year, including Knox Academy, Prentice Coaches, Kartstart, McIntosh Minibikes, Ian Wood Engineering, John Wood, Tops Scaffolding, Bob Guy Haulers, Stan Mcroobie, Max Pro, SP Cars, and Shug and Uncle Duncs.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Rollo and having their name on the bike, which will have TV coverage every month on Motors TV, can contact the Rollos on 07816 221763.