British 125cc Youth Champion Oliver Bovingdon named King’s Lynn mascot for Young Stars team in 2025

British 125cc Youth Champion Oliver Bovingdon has joined King’s Lynn as mascot for their Young Stars team this season.

The 13-year-old is regarded as one of the sport’s brightest prospects, and after winning the Youth title in the last two years he will step up to 250cc level in 2025.

The news means Lynn have two current British Youth Champions in their set-up, with Young Stars team member Cooper Rushen having taken the 250cc title last year in addition to his own earlier 125cc victories.

Bovingdon will be involved at the Adrian Flux Arena on National Development Trophy nights, where he will complete laps before the meeting and lead the team out on parade, and he will also take part in second halves, as well as attending press day with the team.

This season’s second halves will take place after NDT meetings only, and will feature at least six extra races involving up-and-coming riders in 500cc, 250cc and hopefully 125cc categories, offering supporters more value for money and a glimpse into the sport’s future.

Bovingdon’s commitment is underlined by the fact that he will be making a 460-mile round trip to home matches from his base in Bridgwater, Somerset.

He said: “I’m over the moon that I’ve been chosen to be the mascot for the King’s Lynn Young Stars, as it is an amazing track and a brilliant venue.

“They have done a lot and spent a lot of time helping upcoming youth riders to move forward in the sport over the years and they are one of the biggest clubs in British Speedway. I’m looking forward to being a part of such a big club.

“It will be good to put in some practice laps and race around the Adrian Flux Arena, as I’m still getting used to the new 250. I’d like to thank the King’s Lynn promotion and Young Stars team manager Jason Pipe for giving me the opportunity to be a small part of the team and you never know, maybe one day not too far in the future I can be a Young Stars rider myself!

“I will be 15 in February 2027, so another two seasons have to pass yet before I can race at this level.”

The ambitious youngster is planning for a busy year in 2025 and he wants to gain more European experience in addition to his outings in the British Youth Championship.

He said: “My goal for the 2025 season is to try and be successful in both the UK and abroad.

“I’m riding in the British Youth Championship where consistency plays the key part in a multi-round championship, which is why we have committed to all the rounds in the UK this year.

“I’m also hoping to get the nod to go to Europe and represent my country in more one-off style competitions as part of the GB youth set-up on the 250cc.

“Riding in Europe is a huge experience and it has been a big learning curve each time I’ve been racing abroad for the past couple of years. It has always been tough competition, but with that comes the inspiration and knowledge to perform better myself.

“My Dad (Chris) and I have learnt so much each time we have made the trip to Europe, when it comes to bike prep and set-ups, and it always helps when we come back to racing in the UK.

“We have had some good results in Europe, finishing in the top ten in both the World 125 finals and in the SGP4 as the first-ever British competitor.”

Team boss Pipe says he’s delighted to bring Bovingdon on board with the club, in addition to the highly talented group of young riders who will be making up the Young Stars’ NDL team.

He said: “I saw Oliver ride for the very first time a few years ago when he rode in second halves at my local track Redcar and I have kept an eye on his progression ever since.

“I got to see a lot more of him in 2024 when I attended a few of the British Youth Rounds, and I was very impressed with him and he fully deserved to retain his title of being British Youth 125cc Champion. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on in the future.

“When I first asked Oliver to be our Young Stars mascot, I was half expecting him to say no because of the distance from his home.

“So I was so pleased, after he talked it over with his Dad Chris, when he came back and said he would love to do this role.”

The Young Stars kick off their NDT campaign with a trip to Birmingham on April 14, before hosting the Bulls in the return fixture at the AFA on April 30.