Catching up with Next Generation Racing aka The King Family in the Junior Drag Bike series. 125cc Auto & 400cc Classes....
This year’s European finals weren’t just any ordinary racing event for Junior Drag Bikes; they marked the conclusion of an exhilarating season and were the stage for some edge-of-your-seat drama that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The event was thrillingly significant, as it represented both the final round of eliminations and the culmination of the European championship, where every point counted.
Heading into the event, Hollie King, aged 15, of Next Generation Racing, found herself in a precarious position, holding on to a narrow 17-point lead in the championship standings. The stakes were sky-high, and both racers were eager to perform well. The excitement was tangible as we all gathered for the weekend festivities.
The first two days, Friday and Saturday, were dedicated to four rounds of qualifying races. Hollie secured her spot in the third position, demonstrating her speed and skill, while Jaxon King, aged 9, not to be outdone, came in sixth. The atmosphere was electric as both siblings prepared for Sunday, where the real action would unfold.
400cc Junior Drag Bike Champion - Hollie King - Next Generation Racing
However, the Kings hit a slight snag on Sunday morning. The weather decided not to cooperate, forcing everyone to endure a slow start. On top of that, Jaxon was feeling under the weather with a nasty bout of tonsillitis. It was a challenging combination, and they all held their breaths, hoping the situation would improve. As the hours dragged on, anticipation turned into restlessness until they finally got the first round of eliminations underway around 4:20 PM.
Jaxon was up first against last year’s champion, Leah Morrison ( Morrison Racing) . Going against someone with Leah's reputation is never easy, yet Jaxon carried himself with determination.
In a nail-biting race, Leah broke out by a minuscule 0.004 seconds! It was one of those heart-stopping moments where every millisecond mattered. This incredibly close call gave Jaxon the win and, for the first time in his racing career, a spot in the final. His elation was infectious, and the rest of the King family could hardly contain their excitement. (A generous dose of calpol likely played a part in his recovery too!)
Meanwhile, Hollie was faced with a critical race of her own against Richard Wilcox ( Firefighter Racing) , who was just 17 points behind her in the championship standings. The winner of this race would secure the European championship title. The atmosphere was tense as both racers revved their engines and took off. In a race that could only be described as a thriller, Hollie triumphed over Richard, not only advancing to the semifinals but also clinching the championship title! The joy on her face was something to behold; after all the hard work and dedication throughout the season, it was a sweet victory.
Next up for Hollie was a match against Annouk Burgering of Shark Attack Racing, in the semifinals. The stakes were high once again, as the outcome of this race would determine who would face Jaxon in the final showdown. Annouk delivered an impressive performance, hitting her number perfectly, but Hollie proved she was equally determined to win, relying on a remarkable holeshot to advance. This meant that, against all odds, we were set to witness a sibling final! The excitement was palpable, and everyone was buzzing with anticipation.
Jaxon King 125 Auto Drag Bikes - Next Generation Racing
When the finals arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. Jaxon lined up, perhaps a bit too eager to claim victory after all the hardships he faced to get to this moment. Unfortunately, in his excitement, Jaxon red-lit, which meant he left the start line too soon. Hollie, on the other hand, took full advantage of the situation and secured the event win. As much as we all wanted to cheer for Jaxon, we couldn’t help but celebrate Hollie’s victory as well.
Despite the mixed emotions, Jaxon’s presence in the final secured him third place in the European championship. By the end of the weekend, both siblings were heading home with trophies in hand—two lots of trophies, to be exact! It was a bittersweet moment for the King Family, as observers, filled with pride for both racers. They put everything on the line, each finding their own success in their unique ways.
As we reflect on this exciting weekend, our hearts brim with gratitude. A massive thank you to everyone who supported the kids throughout the season and sent them good luck messages, uplifting their spirits in both good times and tough times. The racing spirit we witnessed at the European finals is a true testament to hard work, determination, and love for the sport.
The bond between siblings, particularly when they compete against each other, adds a distinct flavor to what is usually a competitive environment. Sharing the podium, years of training, countless hours spent at the racetrack, and the emotional rollercoaster leading up to the finals created a memory that will live on long after the trophies have been packed away. Lookingto see what the next season holds for Hollie and Jaxon King, but one thing is for certain: the thrill of racing and the warmth of family support will always be at the heart of it all.
In the end, these moments are what we cherish—races that challenge us, victories that uplift us, and the camaraderie that binds us together as a community. Here’s to the next chapter in their racing journey, where we will undoubtedly witness more heart-stopping action, fierce competition, and unforgettable memories.
Until then, keep cheering for the Junior Drag racers as their journey continues and you'll be able to follow the future exploits of Next Generation Racing, via the Sponsors4Racing platform, very soon... 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼🏁
Article Sponsored by Sponsors4Racing....
