SUPPORT NEEDED | Bikesportnz

Kapiti’s Sam Croft is setting the Kiwi road-racing scene alight with his performances this season in the 250 Pro Lites class.

After three of five rounds in the 2012 New Zealand Superbike Championships, the 18-year-old Kawasaki ace leads the Pro Lites class, a massive 62 points ahead of the current national champion, Tapanui’s Seth Devereux.

Croft has won seven out of 10 races in the nationals thus far and finished runner-up on the other three occasions.

Each time he finished second he was within just 0.2s of the winner.

Paraparaumu’s Croft has shown maturity beyond his years, proving himself capable of coping with dangerous situations on the race track, and, though racing on a shoestring budget, he has achieved some remarkable successes.

But help is needed if he is to progress to the next level, with the young man’s sights set on tackling the European Junior Cup later this year.

As with all kinds of motorsports, talent and tenacity is important, but funding is also a huge factor. Croft has the first two characteristics in abundance, but lacks in the third and he is now appealing to potential sponsors.

“We have struggled to raise funds to compete in the national competition,” said Croft.

“I rely on my parents for this financial support, who can do no more, and I add what I can, although having just left school I am yet to obtain fulltime work.

“I can secure free accommodation in Germany for the duration of the European Junior Cup. I believe this is my opportunity of a lifetime and if I get there, I believe I can win.

“My ability to learn new tracks fast and set the pace has been shown at the national competition.”

If there is a potential sponsor out there who might be able to offer assistance, they should contact Sam Croft at 04-904-0906 or 027-785-9287.

Croft’s achievements 2010-11

• 2010 Actrix Victoria Motorcycle Club (VMCC) Winter Series Champion – Streetstock 150

• 2010 Pacific Motorcycle Club (PMCC) Summer Series Champion – Streetstock 150

• Lap record holder Manfeild long track Streetstock 150

• Lap record Manfeild short, held for six months

• 2011 Actrix VMCC Winter Series Champion – Pro-lite 250cc

• 2011 Suzuki International Tri Series Ultra lites 3rd place overall and 1st place for Pro-lites machines

• Contested Formula 3 on a 2002 Suzuki SV 650 finishing second overall for the day 2011 VMCC round 6 Taupo in the wet, first time using this bike.

Current achievements for 2012

• 2012 Castrol Power1 NZ Superbike championship round 1 winner Pro-lites, Ruapuna – Christchurch

• 2012 NZ Grand Prix Title holder for Pro-lites 250 class

• 2012 Castrol Power1 NZ Superbike championship round 2 winner Pro-lites, Levels – Timaru

• 2012 Castrol Power1 NZ Superbike championship round 3 winner Pro-lites, Teretonga – Invercargill

• Currently leading the 2012 Castrol Power1 New Zealand superbike championship Pro-lites class by 62 points from the current national champion.

• Currently leading the Castrol time attack challenge for pro lite 250 in the same championship.

• He had never raced any South Island tracks before the 2012 Championship

• He will contest the Paeroa Street race in F3 and in the North Island rounds 2012 NZ Castrol Power1 Superbike championship on the SV650.

Objectives for 2012

• Become 2012 Castrol Power1 NZ Superbike National Champion Pro-lites class

• Become established in a recognised NZ racing team and/or secure sponsorship/funding to compete in the 2012 European Junior Cup and represent New Zealand internationally

EUROPEAN JUNIOR CUP INFO:

The entry for the 2012 KTM European Junior Cup includes ownership of the motorcycle, tyres, fuel, motorcycle transportation and storage, workstation, coaching and technical support and is priced at only Euro-19,950 plus VAT where applicable.

• Pre-season training Cartagena, Spain. 19-21 March

• Holland, Assen – 22 April

• Italy, Monza – 06 May

• Italy, Misano – 10 June

• Spain, Aragon – 01 July

• Czech Republic, Brno – 22 July

• United Kingdom, Silverstone – 05 August

• Germany, Nurburgring – 09 September

• France, Magny Cours – 07 October

The 2012 champion will receive a total package worth 23,000 Euro towards a ride in the European Superstock 600 championship.

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