While the debate south of the border goes on regarding what format to use for the youngest age groups racing, the simple and proven format used in Scotland for the main races gave the racers, and dare you not call them that, a clear format from which to enjoy their racing. ... Two runs, down the same course (the first run course) with the best time to count is simple and easy for the young racers to understand. This is KIS racing at its best: Keep It Simple!
With racers from the Under 8 age group to Under 10 and Under 12's all trying to post their best time, this was a joy to watch. While Callum Henderson's combined time may have almost been quicker than the one run time of the Under 8 girls best time, these girls were attacking the course with more bravado and guts than some of their older compatriots.
Claudia Ritchie took the Under 8 age group win from Bronte Watt while Erin Ward, the youngest of the Ward dynasty won the under 10 age group after missing a gate on the first run. Lucy Keir edged out Sophie Anderson by a mere six hundredths of a second on the second run to take the runners up spot. Grace Black up from England took the win in the Under 12's from Isla Ward with Fiona Wylie taking third.
In the boys racing Gordon Wylie won the Under 10's, overtaking Lewis Calder on the second run by nine hundredths who had put down a fast first run with Oliver Travers taking third. Thomas Simmonds won the Under 12 race by four hundredths from Sam Clyde with Fraser Hunter and Ben Flockhart sharing third place just over two tenths back. If there was an award for consistency then Ben Flockhart would take this with his two runs being just one hundredth apart from each!
Great racing, easy to understand format and while the rain tried to dampen spirits, this was and awesome race to watch!
Results 14scotchslres
More pictures available to see on www.racer-ready.ifp3.com