Maybole teenager Jack Dunabie, aged 16, has earned a grid slot on the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup after an impressive season in the R&G Moto4 British Cup, where he finished second overall.
The Carrick Academy pupil has risen quickly through the sport, having won five Minimoto championships, three Pro-Champion trophies and two Elite champion titles before moving up to larger-capacity classes.
He has won races, taken multiple pole positions and led free practice at circuits including Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington, and holds the lap record for his classification at Knockhill Race Circuit in Fife.
Family racing background
Jack, who raced last year for Kovara Projects/RS Racing, has been promoted to a new racing classification where he will compete against some of the top age-group riders around.
His father, Alan, said: "Jack's done very well. In our family we've always had bikes. My dad, back in the day, did some sand racing, my uncle took part in short circuit racing and I've been involved in motor bikes since I was nine. So it was a natural thing for Jack to jump on a bike."
"He got his first Minimoto race bike for his Christmas when he was eight years-old and he started racing in 2019, so he's been racing bikes for half of his life."
Progress through the ranks
Jack has raced at venues including the TT Circuit at Assen in the Netherlands, and his placings and points have impressed onlookers within the racing scene.
"Last season was Jack's second year in the Moto GP British Cup," said Alan. "In his first year he finished fourth, this year he was second. But the boy who won it overall did not get selected for the Rookies Cup."
"But Jack's as cool as a cucumber about next season. Myself and my wife Paula get quite stressed because it is a dangerous sport and it's expensive but luckily we have good sponsors to help us out."
World championship step up
Jack will race with a new team next year and contest seven rounds at venues around France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Two pre-season tests are scheduled for April as he gets to grips with his new machine.
"It's a world championship event, so of course, it's a huge step up," said Alan. "Kids from all over the world take part."
At his former school, Crosshill Primary, Jack was awarded a Sports Personality of the Year award in 2020 from South Ayrshire Council's Active Sports Co-ordinators, after "always sharing his amazing news of training and competing on Mini Motorbikes." He was hailed for being "truly dedicated to his sport" and "committing lots of time to checking the safety of his bikes and training."
Alan said: "It's very difficult to earn money from motorcycle racing. It's really at professional level before riders actually get paid for riding."
"But it's been great so far and it's exciting times ahead, that's for sure."
The Dunabie family thanked their sponsors for their support, including RS Racing, KOVARA PROJECTS, IMT Aviation Scotland Ltd, IMT Aviation Ltd, Aermaven, SBLM Properties Ltd, CFS AERO, SHA, Altitude Aero, PTES Electrical, Eitlean, Macleay Motor Engineering, 151s, Replicade Ltd, TAS Ltd, TheVisorShop.com, RECORD Leathers, HIZZY999 and Cameron Lawrie.
Any Ayrshire individuals or businesses willing to help sponsor Jack for next season are encouraged to contact Alan at ADunabie@imtscotland.com.
