Freeman is a real Gem in Brits opener
SPEEDWAY prospect Archie Freeman has made a storming start to the 2020 British Youth Championships.
The 15-year-old Newcastle Gems rider secured third spot in the final of the 500cc class, qualifying after three second places and a third in the heats.
Freeman, competing for the first time on a full-sized 500cc machine, was the second-highest points scorer at the Scunthorpe meeting.
He had suffered a frustrating training day at Leicester the day before, resulting in his bike requiring several new parts.
In his first heat the youngster had to settle for a third-placed point behind winner Joe Thompson of Leicester and second-placed Mickie Simpson.
The young Gem had a far better second race in heat three which was again won by Thompson – Freeman taking two points ahead of Sam Hagon (Kent Royals) and Katie Gordon.
He moved on to five points after heat seven, which saw him and Elliot Kelly of Mildenhall Fen Tigers tussle throughout – the Suffolk man just taking the win.
In heat 10, Freeman’s second place over Simpson and Gordon saw him finish on seven points.
That put him into the 500cc class final along with the Thompson twins Joe and Dan and home favourite Jordan Palin.
Palin shot away to take the win ahead of Dan Thompson but Freeman rode a tremendous four laps initially – taking up second only for both Thompsons to pass him.
However, he fought back hard to pass Joe Thompson and round off a satisfactory day’s racing.
Sunderland-born 14-year-old Owen Booth also represented the Tyneside club in the 125 (B) class.
Booth was the top scorer in his qualification races, scoring 10 points, and was in second place in his final until he suffered an unfortunate fall, ending fourth.