Dirt Bike Ireland
Ben '#10' Kennedy
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Profile

Young 15 year old Ben #10 Kennedy from Co Down is really emerging as one of the rising stars of Irish Motocross as he makes his way through the senior youth classes and starts to cut his teeth progressing up into the adult classes.

The 2016 Youth Ulster and Irish Big Wheel (BW) 85cc Champion spent 2017 racing mostly in the UK in the British Youth National Championship again in the BW85cc Class, stepping up in a transitional year learning the British Championship circuits and programme.

Ben showed his class in his occasional outings he had here on home soil this year, taking wins at the second round of the MCCNI Championship at Desertmartin and the third round of the Ulster Youth Championship at Laurelbank.

Since moving up to the bigger class at the end of the 2017, onto a Yamaha YZ125cc, if anything Ben looks even more comfortable and seems to have clicked fantastically with the 125cc immediately and getting faster every time out on it with eye-catching performances sucha as a 3rd place finish in the first moto followed by then going on to win all of the the remaining 4 races out of 5 starts in the Youth Seniors class at the MCCNI August 2 Day event at Desertmartin, and at the Dublin City Motocross Club Supercross in mid September where Ben competed in both the Youth (on the Saturday) & Adult (on the Sunday) events, as his dual competition licence allows him to do so.

Ben is being guided and assisted by his dad, former Irish MX Support Champion Roy, and with some sage words of advice and guidance from former multiple MX Champion Brian Steele who lives nearby, as can be seen in his progression.

Having just taken ownership of a new 2018 YZ125 from Russells Motorcycles, we eagerly await what the 2018 season brings for young Ben #10 Kennedy!

Q & A

  1. Your Home Town? (Where are you based if different?) Saintfield, Co Down, Northern Ireland
  1. What’s your job, (or school & year if applicable? Favourite School subject?) Saintfield High School, Year 12, Favourite Subjects Technology & PE
  1. How did you first become involved in Motorcycle Sport/Motocross? I went to races to watch my Dad riding.
  1. When/where did you first actually ride a Motorcycle? What age were you? When I was 6 years old I went to Leitrim, Co Down and rode a JR 50 cc.
  1. What was your First Bike? My first racing bike was a 50 cc KTM.
  1. When/Where was your first Race? Where did you place? My first race was at Dessertmartin, I just didn’t do well.
  1. Favourite Ever Bike(s)? Yours &/or Factory? My favourite bike is the 125 cc YZ Yamaha.
  1. Favourite Rider/Biking Hero as a Kid? My favourite rider is Dylan Ferrandis.
  1. Favourite Racer (if Different?)
  1. Toughest or Most Respected Competitor throughout your career?
  1. Favourite Track? Do you prefer Sand or Hardpack?  Hawkstone, I like both Sand and Hardpack.
  1. Career Highlights so far? Best moment(s)? Best Race? Leading British Championship BW85 at Brampton. 
  1. Objectives for this season?
  1. Career Objectives still to be achieved? My goal is to be British Champion.
  1. Championship(s) Contested this Season?
  1. Current Bike/Team? Russells Motorcycles Yamaha
  1. Any Sponsors? Bannside Pallets & Haulage, Russells Motorcycles,  GForce Suspension, TS Foods, Frenchs, Milwaukie, WRC Recycling, Carlisle Fuels, Edgar Electricals, S Jones & Son Ltd, Chips Ahoy,  Buckshead,  Moto Graphix,  G P Haulage, JJ Priestley, Drenagh Sawmills, McAtee Recycling, FMS Motors, Scarlett DIY, Seaford Truck Repairs, Causeway Transport, Down Tyres and Mum.
  1. Any other sports have you played – Now, or previously? Previously played football for Saintfield United.
  1. What are your main Training activities? Running, Swimming & Cycling.
  1. Do you ride much in the Off-Season, or take a Break? Take a 3 week break.
  1. What do you Love Most about Motocross? The adrenalin rush and getting the Chequered Flag.
  1. Do you concentrate on nutrition? How? Yes,  Sol Gilbert at SGUT Nutrition provides me with help on nutrition.
  1. Favourite Food/Meal – Including (“Pig Out”) if not watching what you eat? Favourite Drink – (Alcoholic only if over 18yrs)?  My favourite food s are Chicken and Salmon.
  1. Favourite Place in the world, country, holiday destination?
  2. Favourite TV show? X-Factor.
  3. Any tips or pearls of wisdom you would have for upcoming young riders?  Never give up, do your best and chase your dream.
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