Rhys Irwin, a teen motorcycle rider from Kilmacrennan, was the sole Irish racer in this year’s Red Bull Rookies selection event at Guadix in Spain.
From an initial selection of 5,500 Worldwide hopefuls, 106 riders were selected to the live event in Spain.
On arrival at Guadix, the selection committee of World renowned scouts and retired racers put the 106 fastest teens from around the World through live time trials assessing their speed, natural bike style and their potential.
Rhys put on an incredible performance securing his spot along with 40 other racers for the final on day three.
Rhys, having never raced the metro kits used in the selection event, took a couple of laps to get up to speed and rose to every challenge presented to him on day three.
“It was a truly amazing experience” said a delighted Rhys.
“Although I missed out on the overall selection for the Reb Bull Rookies Cup I am so happy with how I rode, I gave it everything right up until the last corner and to be in with a chance against the best racers in the World right up to the last session was just amazing.
“It’s not easy to race the Europeans on this style of track when it’s definitely not what I’m used to at all.
“Who knows maybe in some different circumstances I may have made it. It was a proud moment to see my name and country in the final beside all the other nationalities, and for sure it won’t be the last time it happens.
“A massive thanks to everyone that has helped me so far especially James from Oasis Bar Letterkenny and Wesley from Clean Rubber Sligo/Donegal, my family and all the others that help me in any way.”
This is only the second time in the history of the Red Bulls Competition when an Irish racer has got the the final day of selection. It was previously done in 2014 by Rhys’s older brother Caolán on his first year in Short Circuits.
Rhys certainly has had a whirlwind year and won’t have to wait long again to represent his country when he travels to Valencia in November with the British Isles Talent Cup Road to Moto GP team when he will once again share the Moto GP paddock with the World’s greats.
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