Whitham and the future of the BSB twentysomethings

Uplifting appearances from riders in their early 20 on the Bennetts British Superbike podium certainly pleased even the ‘we’re doomed’ brigade which bemoans the lack of Brits on the MotoGP grid, delights in discussing how things used to be and cannot see the times a-changing.

There is no doubt that seeing Brad Ray, Kyle Ryde and Rory Skinner displaying their youthful enthusiasm is cheering to fans who have been waiting for youngsters to emerge, and a great boost to promoter MSV which may have been relying too much on one-time stars returning from World Superbikes and, while still capable of winning, are probably past their best.

But are the doom mongers right and if so what can be done about it? Bikesportnews.com called upon the wisdom of James Whitham to shed a little light on the present situation, what is happening and why.

“It’s a long time since a fella could set off with his mate and a bike in a van, knock on the circuit door and ask to qualify,” said Whitham.

“The days when Jarno Saarinen would drive from Finland with a privately-prepared Yamaha and win a Grand Prix are never going to come back again.

“Now unless you’re very successful in MotoGP even though you are successful in other classes you are looked on as a failure. Every single class, Moto2 or Moto3, is seen as a feeder class and not as important, so you don’t get Anton Mang, Jorge Martinez, Angel Nieto and others who rode until they were 40, made a good living and were recognised as world champions.

“Now they put age limits on classes so you can get in when you’re 15 but have to be out when you’re 23 or something. What kind of world championship is that?

BSN: “And just to go back to the three riders who dominated the racing at Oulton Park and may