Only two years ago Henry Snell took to the grid in the Dunlop Supersport 300 on Phillip Island for the first time, and last month the Bowen local conquered the event, setting him up for a potential professional career.
The 16-year-old is North Queensland’s only motorbike racer in the Australian Superbike Series competition, and after round 1 – which comprised three races, where Henry finished in 1st twice and 3rd once – he’s now sitting with a 20-point lead.
Quickly gaining national recognition for his raw talent and blistering pace in the 300cc Supersport Class, Henry has garnered himself a nickname, too – The Bowen Bullet.
The young gun competed against elites in Victoria in a far cry from the dirt tracks of Bowen and this recent achievement puts him in an excellent position to capitalise on a great 2022 season.
Henry started racing at nine and has the goal of racing professionally in Europe.
“There’s races like the Asian Talent Cup and the World Supersport 300 overseas and in Europe that I would like to get into,” he said.
“I really want to ride bikes for a living and if I can do well in the Australian [Supersport 300] I think I can get there.”
Henry is set to race in all eight rounds of The Australian Supersport 300, which feeds aspiring young racers into the senior scene.
It regularly develops riders as young as 16-years-old, with exemptions for exceptional racers meaning they can contest the series from as young as 13-years-old. Henry joined at 14.
Looking ahead to this weekend, The Bowen Bullet will take to Queensland Raceway for Round 2 of the Supersport 300.
“I’m not nervous; I know I have a lot of racers who can help me with getting used to the track,” Henry said.
“I just know I have to capitalise on being in the lead.”
He is also currently seeking a vehicle sponsorship, which would allow him to have a dedicated wet conditions bike which would also act as a backup.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
