SPEED KIDS | Cullybackey teen racing sensation Peter Willis to feature in TV show

Cullybackey teen Peter Willis (13) is set to feature in a new BBC documentary, True North: Speed Kids, airing this week.

The show tackles the twists and turns of the race track with the children dreaming of becoming the next generation of motorcycle stars. We also meet their families who proudly support them through a tense season in the hope of winning that all-important place on the podium.

For Peter, the young racing star has been going from strength to strength since starting his motorcycle career in Motocross in the 65cc class. In late 2019 Peter switch his Motocross wheels for slicks and took to the Irish Mini Bike Championship that winter. Last year made the move from Mini Bikes to British Talent Cup.

Over 2021 Peter was coached by Honda British Superbike rider Glenn Irwin, who has agreed to continue supporting him during 2022. Starting this season with the VisionTrack Michael Laverty Academy, it will provide Peter with World Championship level expertise, both on and off the track, with a target of scoring points at each round and get close to the top 10.

The documentary follows Peter and his road to recovery and return to the track after his first major injury.

The local lad hopes one day to race at the highest level.

Northern Ireland has produced some of the world’s most famous racers who have inspired a new generation of boys and girls that are revving at the grid and hoping to follow in their footsteps.

Also featured in the documentary is eight-year-old Max Robinson from Ballymoney, whose life goal is to join the list of famous Northern Irish racers.

Max takes part in the ‘Bam Bam’ class for children aged between six and 10, and his determination on the track and fearless attitude has already drawn comparisons to the famous racers in his family.

His father Paul is one of Ireland’s most decorated racers, and grand-uncle Joey Dunlop is considered one of the greatest motorcycling legends of all time.

Standing in Max’s way is nine-year-old Paige Mullen from Newmills, Co Tyrone who is part of a new wave of girls getting involved in the sport.

Paige is determined to beat her male rivals and follow in the footsteps of her 11-year-old brother Lewis, who has overcome disappointment to be picked for a top UK team and is tipped for future stardom.

True North: Speed Kids

BBC One Northern Ireland

Tuesday 12 April at 10.35pm

Also available afterwards on BBC iPlayer