Smallford speedway star, Freddie Fox-Baron, eight, already making a name for himself
Freddie Fox-Baron, 8, finished third in the British Grasstrack Speedway championship. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Archant
Step aside Tai Woffinden. There’s a new contender for your speedway world crown – and he’s from Smallford.
Freddie Fox-Baron, 8, with his custom-made Speedway bike. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Archant
Freddie Fox-Baron is already making a name for himself in grasstrack speedway despite last year being his first season competing in the sport.
The eight-year-old, who goes to St Bernadette in London Colney, finished in the top three in every meeting he entered, walking away with 11 wins.
And a third place finish at the British Championships confirmed his talent.
But for the Smallford youngster, who is following in the footsteps of his grandad, Alfie Fox, it is about just enjoying the experience.
Freddie Fox-Baron with his impressive haul of trophies from a successful first season. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Archant
He said: “My grandad got me into it. I started racing last year but have been practicing for two.
“I mainly do grasstrack.
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“It’s all about practising in the winter so I’m doing speedway, which is really interesting.
“What we are doing now is learning how to go round corners.”
Grasstrack speedway is run along the same rules as races on dirt tracks, although over longer distances and naturally, much bumpier circuits.
Freddie’s dad, Jamie Fox, said: “We started out thinking it was just going to be a little hobby we could do at weekends but he took to it naturally.
“We’re so proud of what he has done.”
Mum Emily as well as Freddie’s nan and grandad often make the trips a family-affair.
Those trips take him all over the country with Europe a possibility this year.
However it all adds to the cost which is where sponsors, Drive-Thru MOT, Versatile Utilities and Alban Developments come in.
Jamie said: “Like every motor sport it’s very expensive so they are a big help.
“We thought if he is going to compete with the best, we need to invest a lot.
“[Freddie] is pushing himself to the limit and took a big tumble the other week. But the helmet and neck protector we bought took the full brunt.
“Safety is our main concern.
“The grasstrack community has taken us in. It’s really family-orientated. All the top riders talk to Freddie as a racer and want him to do well.”
