Kemp’s award shock!

Image courtesy of Taylor Lanning Photography

Kemp, a member of Great Britain's Under-21 squad rounded off a rollercoaster 2019 campaign by taking the British Under-19 title and Silver for GB in the FIM Under-21 Team World Championship Final in Manchester. It was a tricky league season in the Championship for the level headed youngster but he revealed to win the award was a huge boost. Kemp last week brought out his own impressive ‘One One Eight’ racing magazine and admitted in it: “It’s always good to be recognised for achievements through the season and I attended a couple of awards nights after the 2019 season ended. I was at the ACU Awards in January where I was recognised for my British Under-19 win and presented with a crystal trophy for the runner-up Silver for the Great Britain Team. At the World Speedway Riders’ Association dinner I got the Poultec Training Rider of the Year award from joint GB boss Olly Allen. I enjoy all aspects of the Poultec course - not just riding - we learn so much to help our Speedway careers. But it was a massive surprise to be announced as the winner of the WSRA Young Rider of the Year. It was great to meet Olle Nygren and receive the award from such an important organisation.”

Drew, 17, also revealed that his two Test Match wins during the close season in Australia was a “great experience”. Even more so that he would end up beating legend Jason Crump, who is set to be his Ipswich team-mate. He added: “The first test match was at Pinjar Park which was tough and awkward to ride but it was good fun. I was paired with Tai Woffinden and came third in Heat 1. In my next race I had Tai and the legend Jason Crump. I’d never met Jason before the trip to Australia and it was amazing when he was announced as part of the Australian team. It was good to meet him, speak to him and be able to share a track with him. To pick up a 5-1 with Tai over a three-times World Champion was pretty satisfying but I suppose I should make allowances for it being his first appearance after eight years out of the sport. To experience racing alongside Jason was amazing and I felt so privileged to have the opportunity. Little did I know at the time what would unfold with Jason over the next couple of months! In the second Test Match on the large Pinjar Park track I struggled to get the right set-up. But I managed to make a decent start in my last race to end my Australian trip off with a good win. I couldn't really put my finger on a stand-out moment of the trip, it was all an amazing experience.”

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