By Stephen Evans
Sutton Bridge race ace Gavin Mills has been crowned the East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) Formula 125 champion.
Hi-octane motorbike maestro Mills won the competition with a total of 144 points, which was some 90 points better off than the tally of his nearest rival.
Amazingly, the 23-year-old was in his debut season – making the fact he stormed to the title all the more impressive.
However, his success won’t be a surprise to those that know him. That’s because winning the championship has seen him follow in the footsteps of his father Nicholas.
His dad won the 1999 Classic Racing Motorcycle Club Championship, but rarely races any more.
“It was my first season as a novice this year, but I rode motocross previously,” said Gavin. “I set out this year to lose my novice jacket and learn road racing.
“This meant I had to finish ten races in a season and get a signature.
“That’s all we wanted, but it ended up that I was learning quick and getting faster each time.
“The improvement made me win a championship.
“My dad and family did racing too, so ever since I was a young boy it was always something I wanted to do.”
It’s been a pretty impressive year for Mills, who also finished second in the Darley Moor Formula 125 championship, only nine points behind the winner.
He currently works as a mechanic and repairs his motorcycle himself.
But the South Holland speed merchant has already sets his sights on continuing his progression and replicating the success of his first season.
Mills added: “All mechanical aspects and work on the bike I have done myself, including rebuilds.
“I hope to do the same again with EMRA next year.
“I am still learning on the 125cc machine, so I will be riding it again for another year. In the future I want to join NG Road Racing, it would be a chance to race all around the country.”
