As part of Futures Friday, just to give some exposure to our young, up-and-coming riders, we will do a Rookie Report on those who have just started in the pro ranks or, in this case, have excelled in a series that is new to them. For Rookie Report number one, here is the story of Connor Watson, a lad from up north who has taken the Youth Enduro scene by storm.
Words: The Watson family, Images: Matthew Rudd Photography & the Watson family.
Connor Watson first started riding motorcycles when he was just three and a half years old, starting with an Oset. Like many of the current crop of UK world level riders he began his riding career in local trials from the the age of 5 and quickly established himself as a competent rider. He started on a 12.5” Oset progressing up to a 20” racing model before then moving onto a Beta 80cc which saw him win several trials for his two local clubs (Guisborough and District Motor Club and Scarborough and District Motor Club).
At the age of 9, we decided to compete in the ACU Belle Trailers British Youth Trials Championship which Connor really enjoyed, securing the runner-up position in his very first year. We were really looking forward to building on that performance but unfortunately Covid put paid to that in 2020. In 2021 we bought a used Husqvarna 85cc and competed in our first ever Enduro with Edge Offroad. Despite not competing in every round, Connor secured 2nd place in the championship which was a fantastic achievement!
We really enjoyed the Edge Offroad events and as such competed in the entire series in 2022 where Connor won the title in the Edge Offroad National Cross Country Championship on his Husqvarna 85cc. By this time we all had the Enduro bug and we then bought Connor a new GasGas 85cc Big Wheel. We set out to compete in both the National Cross Country and National Sprint series with Edge Offroad.
Connor competed in every round, leading both championships, but in June he sustained a really bad injury. Breaking the growth plate in the humerus bone of his left shoulder put him out of action for just under 3 months. This meant that despite winning every sprint event up to that point, he was no longer able to win that Championship, but he could still win the National Cross Country series.
Connor’s true fighting spirit and dedication really showed in his determination to get back on his bike and look to retain his title once again. The end of October saw Connor compete in both the Edge Offroad National Sprint and Cross Country final rounds where his true grit and determination saw him take P1 on both days. This means he is once again the Edge Offroad National Cross Country Champion for the second year in a row, which is a fantastic achievement and testament to his hard work and dedication.
Connor also recently competed at the 40th Weston Beach Race where he secured 6th place in the 85cc race, mixing it up with some of the best Youth Motocross riders like Drew Stock and Hayden Statt. He also still likes to ride and compete on his Scorpa 125cc Trials bike and has recently competed in the Mintex Youth Trial which consists of 60 sections covering some 48 miles! Connor finished in 27th position out of the 77 Riders that managed to finish the event.
You can’t miss Connor with his distinctive Mullet hairstyle and you’ll always see him with a smile on his face. He is taking the Youth scene by storm and with the sort of dominant performances he’s shown so far, Connor Watson will be a name to look out for on the national circuit very soon.
Many thanks to the Watson family for that great report and we wish you all the best for 2024.
Next week we feature the fastest brother and sister combo in British Motocross – James and Lucy Barker!
