Ben Marrett, 25 from Beverley has spent most of his life riding motorbikes. Since before he can remember his Dad and Uncle would take him out and every spare moment since his childhood has been spent doing what he enjoys most and for the past two years though, that has involved speeding around a race track at 170mph, where he has achieved excellent positions – making it to 2nd place at Cadwell Park and 3rd place at Mallory Park.
Ben says:
“I’ve had plenty of 4th and 5th place finishes and always get a top 10 position. My bike is very competitive, it was an ex-padgetts Honda British 600cc Supersport bike and my greatest achievement with it was at Mallory Park, where I entered a race against 1000cc bikes and had to start at the rear because I hadn’t qualified for the race. Out of 35 motorbikes I made it to 4th place within the first few laps and maintained my position to the last.”
“The only thing holding me back at the moment is funding. The cost of a full championship is £13,100. Each race uses two sets of tires but, I actually need three sets so that I can complete the practice circuits before the race. The more track time I can get, the more I learn and the faster I can go.”
“Since I started racing, I have gained confidence and learned what I need to do to move up the Championship tables. The problem is my funds run out and I have to quit the Championship which is very frustrating.”
Ben’s Uncle Ray Marrett owns RM Motorcyles in Beverley and supports Ben all the way. He says: “Ben stands out on the track. He gives 110% every time and has a hunger and passion that most of his competitors who race for a living just don’t demonstrate.”
“He is supported by a team of friends who help fix up the bike and Phil Thomson Construction transports him around the UK. Ben works full-time for Chris Cooper Construction and saves as much money as he can each year to go towards the championship.”
“Paul from Motorcyclone in Hull is currently sponsoring Ben and deals with any damaged caused throughout the season to the bike. He is currently giving the bike a new look with a brand new paint scheme ready for the season start in March.”
To enter the Thundersport GB 2011 Championship which takes place between March and October, Ben requires £3200 for entry fees and £5300 for tires. His bike a 2007 Honda cbr600rr has a full British Supersport specification with a Chris Mehew tuned engine which puts out 128bhp.
As such Ben is looking for any amount of sponsorship towards the required £13,100. In return he can brand-up his bike, his leathers, the transport and a sponsor’s ‘A’ board which is on show throughout the weekend. Ben aims to get publicity in the local press and some of the races are on Euro Sport and Motors TV.
Items needed to complete a Championship include:
Entry fees £2300
Tyres £5300
Fuel £600
Oil & filters £400
Crash damage, break pads and general maintenance £1500
Spares, wheels & discs, handle bars, lever & fairings £1100
If anyone is interested in supporting Ben Marrett, please contact him on b.marrett133@googlemail.com or visit www.benmarrettracing.co.uk
By Jess Clark
