GLASGOW stars Leon Flint and Ace Pijper are hoping that home support drives them to British Under-21 glory.
The youngsters will get all the noise from the Allied Vehicles Tigers fans at Ashfield Stadium on Sunday (2pm), live on BSN.
A year ago former Glasgow rider Connor Bailey took the title with a stunning last-to-first victory in the final.
But it’s almost a new generation of young prospects taking to the track this year and Flint, Dan Thompson, Sam Hagon and Ashton Boughen will start as favourites.
Flint said: “I’ve said it for a number of years now. Now is the time if I’m going to do it. If I’m ever going to do it, this has to be the year, the way I look at it.
“Sometimes I do need to take a step back and think of how far I’ve come and not be too hard on myself. That’s just because of the level I’m aiming for this year.
“The last good generation we had was the likes of me, Tom, Drew Kemp, Anders Rowe, the Thompsons. Plus we have Sam Hagon doing well now.
“Dan Thompson, whatever he’s done in the winter, he’s doing something right and fair play to the lad. It’s not easy what he’s been doing in the top league.
“But hopefully I can keep pushing to help make this a really good generation of British riders with the other boys.
“I also think it’s important that we help the next line of youngsters coming through.
“You see so many younger riders in the Championship now, we need to pass on our experience. There were a lot of things I did wrong when I was 16 or 17 that really cost me in the long run.
“We need to make sure the next generation don’t make the same mistakes as I did. I’m sure myself, Tom and Drew can help with that.”
Pijper admits he has to manage expectations ahead of the British Under-21 title on home shale.
The Edinburgh-born whizkid made a very strong comeback from a wrist injury and now is eyeing up success in the major event at Ashfield on Sunday.
He said: “I’m always careful about expectations. I always have targets in my mind but sometimes it can affect you if you don’t get to those targets.
“I’ve always been taught to ride the wave. Just so what you can and move on, whether it’s been a good or bad result, treat it the same way.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve been very lucky to have good people advising me.
“Obviously my dad gives me daily advice but I’ve also had help from Jason Crump and Chris Harris. That sort of experience is priceless.
“At this stage of my career I’m always going to make mistakes. I know that. I don’t like it but it’s just life.
“It gets to a point that you can only have so much advice. A lot of the top riders will say it’s important for us youngsters to make our mistakes and learn from them.
“I’m definitely doing that. But I know deep down I’m making progress.”
British Under-21 Championship, June 2, 2pm:
1. Ashton Boughen, 2. Ben Trigger, 3. Max James, 4. Sam Hagon, 5. Mickie Simpson, 6. Joe Thompson, 7. Leon Flint, 8. Dan Thompson, 9. Vinnie Foord, 10. Jake Mulford, 11. Luke Harrison, 12. Freddy Hodder, 13. Nathan Ablitt, 14. Ace Pijper, 15. Jody Scott, 16. Luke Killeen. Reserves; Stene Pijper and Mark Parker.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.