Six year-old Boyd teams up with TAG outfit

BOYD Knipe’s Christmas came early this year when he was unveiled as a rider for the iconic TAG Racing Ireland team for 2022.

The six-year-old Cookstown lad enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Irish Mini Bike Championship onboard the Bean Mac Racing machine, finishing fifth overall in the ever popular BamBam class.

Boyd will again compete in the same championship in 2022 but this time he will be riding under new colours in the rebranded new-look Bean Mac Racing with TAG Racing Ireland and VTL team.

The young Cookstown Primary School pupil has been taken under the wing of TAG Racing Ireland company director, Thomas Fitzsimmons, or Tossi as he’s better known in the racing world.

A former competitor many years ago, Tossi just loves the bike scene and he is no stranger to sponsorship and talent spotting, having picked up a young Jack Kennedy when he was just 16 years of age.

Since then, Kennedy has gone on to perform at world level, and is the reigning British 600 Supersport champion.

Other riders to have benefitted from TAG Racing Ireland include Emmet O’Grady, Alex Dunne (German F4 car racing), and Pat Duffy, who will make a return to racing next year on an NC30Honda in the Classic Superbikes at Mondello Masters.

Last week, when meeting up with Tossi, Boyd had the bonus of meeting the three-time British champion Kennedy, who dropped by to meet the young enthusiastic six-year-old and offer him some advice towards his racing for 2022.

Tossi is also continuing his sponsorship with the IMC. When the 2022 VTL Scholarship winner is announced on Christmas Eve, the selected rider will avail of a 90cc BamBam machine for use during the 2022 season.

“We are lost for words!,” beamed Boyd’s Dad, Richard.

“This is such a fantastic chance for Boyd, to be linking up with such a prestigious team, TAG Ireland. There is no pressure from Tossi, he wants us to continue what we have been doing last year, and that is to enjoy the racing.

“I cannot leave out my good friend Baylon (McCaughey), as it was he, who started this journey. Baylon will of course still play an important part in the team! The IMC is doing a great job and both Tossi and I are glad to be part of this great wee club.”