Young rider tears up the tracks
The young rider says motorcycle racing is a mentally and physically demanding sport.
Chris Wright (17) walked into the Advertiser’s reception after writing his mathematics paper.
This calm young man from Springs Boys High School talks about his passion for motorcycles and where it has taken him.
“I started when I was around six years old, so I have been doing this for 11 years.”
He said his passion for motorcycles runs through his veins as he hails from a family that has always been passionate about them.
“My dad owned some motorcycle shops. I guess my love for motorcycles is genetic. My family has always been in motorsports, whether cars or bikes.”
Chris mentions how people often get confused with what he does as a racer.
“People often get it mixed up with motocross racing. Motorcross is dirt bikes on dirt roads. I do motorcycle racing, which is racing on tar and grand prix circuits, using superbikes.”
The latest leg in his journey includes competing internationally for the first time.
“This year I participated in an international Italian championship called the CIV. We do multiple races in the northern and southern parts of Italy. In each race, I placed in the top 10 and for my last race, I came third.”
Chris said he did not know what he could achieve until he achieved it.
“Not to sound boastful, but we have always known I was fast in South Africa, and my results in South Africa have always been good.
“But I did not know what to expect when competing internationally. I shied away from placing any expectations on myself, and that is how I think I have performed so well up until now.”
He added his idols have helped him to understand that anything is possible.
“You are racing against the fastest guys in the world. You often wonder how they got so fast. They all have become my idols as I look up to them.
“Racers from South Africa encouraged me to know that no matter where you come from, you can achieve anything.”
Even though his parents support his passions, they insist that school comes first.
“This is my first time competing internationally, and being in matric makes it harder. At the beginning of the year, I missed a lot of school and had to catch up. The whole year has been a learning curve for me.”
This physically and mentally demanding sport has Chris appreciating the simpler things in life, such as spending time with his friends and family.
“Any sport that is individual takes a toll on you mentally because you are constantly in your head. When you go through tough times, you start appreciating the simpler things in life,” he said.
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