A LYMM youngster has earned a golden opportunity to become the next Carl Fogerty.

Lymm High School pupil Sean Neary was selected as one of 12 to be trained and race with the British Road Racing Academy.

The 14-year-old finished second in the junior road racing class and went to trials in September to stand out from 60 riders in order to be selected for the Academy.

Sean did not envisage being picked as his MBX 80 was one of the least powerful bikes in the field. However, when the letter from the sport's governing body came through the post inviting him for an interview everything changed.

Sean was grilled by a panel and waited four hours before learning he had been chosen for a three-year scholarship where he will be trained to become a professional.

The top person at the end of their spell in the Academy will be given the chance to race in the British Grand Prix at 125cc.

The Academy is a new venture modelled on the successful schemes by the Spanish and Italians which have produced top rifers through the ranks.

Now Foggy has retired Britain has taken the initiative and is giving all young riders with potential the opportunity to go further.

Sean will be racing against men next year and after two years in the sport he has progressed from Motocross on dirt, to an 80cc on tarmac and next year he will take over the reigns of his cousin's Honda RS 125.

His cousin Stuart, who will be Sean's manager, retired this year and so the 125 is handed down to the next family hopeful.

Sean needs sponsorship to kick-start his career. Sponsors contact Stuart Harris on 754691.