Biking brothers are on the road to major success

TWO Northside brothers, not even out of primary school, are well on the road to carving out successful careers in the sport of motor racing.

Finnan (9) and Max (8) Wherity, from Balbriggan, continue to catch the eye with some fantastic performances at home and in the UK.

The boys, only 18 months apart in age, race in the biggest motorcycle championship in the country, the Mini Motor Cycling Racing Club of Ireland (MMRCI). This year for the first time they also competed in the Cool Fab-Racing British Minibikes Championship. 

Finnan recently wrapped up first place in the MMRCI Championship while Max is currently second, but will have a battle at the last rounds at Whiteriver Park, Collon, as there are only a few points between the leaders.

Finnan won one of his races in the UK and came third in the Cool Fab-Racing British Minibikes Championship overall. 

Remarkably, these incredibly skilled boys, who moved to bigger bikes this year, are sometimes racing against 13-year-olds.

The boys’ proud mum, Jane, said: “From an early age, my boys shared their Dad Shane’s obsession with bikes, playing with toy ones and watching the bikes on TV. 

“Shane didn’t need any more convincing, and purchased a Honda CRF 50. The lads just took to it. Max was three years-of-age riding this bike in our uncle’s field. Silage cutting was the most anticipated time, as it meant two weeks riding around in 20 acres. 

“Shane could see there was something special in their ability. Max was very young, but Finnan had a style and a smoothness that stood out even then.”

When Jane and her husband heard about the Irish Championship and that there was a race close to their home at Whiteriver, they brought the boys along and knew immediately this was the sport for them.

“We have also just started competing in the UK,” said Jane. 

“The field of riders and the level is way beyond what is here, so for Finnan to get a win there was incredible.

“This is more than the kids’ racing. It’s a lifestyle, and a family sport. There is literally tenths of seconds between first and second, so working on the bike is just as important as the rider.”

Jane said the Dads also love it.

“After racing the kids play together, similar to a camping holiday, and the parents sit around fires, have a few drinks and unwind,” she said.  

“It is definitely not for everyone, and I get many raised eyebrows as a mother who lets her children ride motorbikes. 

“However, I’ve seen my children, who were both extremely shy, cycle around a track and making new friends from all over England. 

“I’ve seen their confidence grow with every bit of success, so yes, I let my children ride motorbikes and I wouldn’t change a thing!

•You can check out the brothers’ Facebook page to follow their progress, WCS Racing, and they would also like to say a big thank you to their sponsors, Wherity Chartered Surveyors.