Manx motocross racer Jed Etchells will compete on the world stage with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
He has been selected to ride in the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, which takes place in Estonia on 29th and 30th July.
Jed is a regular in both the British Youth Nationals and MX Nationals motocross championships, and is supported by the Steam Packet Company with discounted travel to attend testing and competition in the UK.
For his trip to the World Championship, the Steam Packet Company is covering travel costs between the Isle of Man and UK in full.
Jed said: ‘I’m really pumped about being chosen for the World Championships and can’t wait to get out to Estonia and fly the flag for the Isle of Man. It’ll be a tough test, going up against the best in the world, but I’m feeling strong, have had a great season in the British championships so far and I’m ready to race.
‘Competing at the highest level in motocross means a lot of travelling to and from the Island, and I’m really grateful for the Steam Packet Company’s longstanding support which has helped make that possible.’
In the British Youth Championships, where Jed rides a Kawasaki 250F in the Open Class, he has won three of the four rounds helps so far and lies third in the championship with two meetings still to go. In the MX Nationals series, where he rides a Kawasaki 450F in the Expert Class, he is fourth in the standings after four of six rounds.
His selection for the World Championships was based on his position as the fastest rider in the British championships, and the racer with the most wins this year.
Jed leaves for the World Championships today (Thursday), but will compete in the fifth round of the MX Nationals at Canada Heights in Kent this weekend before departing for Estonia.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Jed is one of many Manx sportspeople we support every year, enabling them to compete and train off-Island, and he is clearly making the most of his opportunities as one of the leading junior motocross riders in Britain.
‘Following his selection for the World Championships we were delighted to recognise this fantastic achievement by offering to cover his travel costs between the Isle of Man and UK in full for this event, and we all wish him huge success.’
