Harry Barker – Rising Star of Quad Racing & the bLU cRU Cup!

Eight-year-old Harry Barker has been competing in junior ATV races since he was five. His parents Chloe and Jamie have spent the last three years supporting his passion for the sport and have even moved house to accommodate his growing ATV collection. With at least 19 races each year it is a demanding ask for any family; but the family has invested in a van to tour the country to make the most of what the sport offers.

“It’s a wonderful family-oriented circuit with a group who share the similar interests and love to watch their children compete. We have been fortunate enough to travel all over the country supporting Harry and, whilst it is very much a lifestyle choice that takes both time and resources, it is one that we really enjoy,” explains Jamie.

Harry has been supported by Quad Bikes R Us, and his parents bought him a new Yamaha YFM90R from dealer Whatever Wheels in September 2021. The ATV has custom decals including Harry’s name. Yamaha’s introduction of the bLU cRU cup for junior riders has offered Harry a level playing field with all the ATVs operating to factory specification.

“We had made some modifications for Harry to compete in other races, but the bLU cRU is a fairer racing series and one that Harry has taken to well. We are now hopeful that he can continue his winning ways and keep his place at the top of the standings until the end of the season,” says Jamie.

So far, Harry leads the bLU cRU standings after an outstanding year of racing. He has also competed in the Nora-MX series and Nett Quad Championships, both this season and in the past. In 2024 he intends to race abroad for the first time when the opportunity has arisen to compete in France at the Pont-de-Vaux event.

“We have already bought him a 125cc that he intends to compete on next year in the Nora 150 class and the Nett 100 class. If all goes to plan, we expect he will be the youngest rider in these events so it will be a big challenge for him,” says Jamie.

The support offered by Yamaha and the quality of the ATVs for junior riders has been an important part of the family embracing the sport. Jamie also suggests that the cost of Yamaha ATVs is more accessible than other brands.

“The YFM90R is the best of the junior models. It is cheaper and more reliable than those offered by some other manufacturers. I think some people make the mistake of buying an old ATV as a starter for their child. If the first few experiences are not on a well-engineered machine, then there is the risk of accidents which are likely to put both children and parents off,” he says.

For Harry, ATV racing has been an opportunity to enjoy a sport that is different to those he enjoys at school. Like many eight-year-olds he is keen on football and hockey. He is also in the Cub Scouts. When asked what he and his friends think of his ATV racing Harry said:

“I like travelling, meeting new people, and I like winning. ATV racing is really fun, and I am lucky to be able to compete in so many different places. My friends think it’s cool that I race, and I get to take my trophies in to school.”

For his parents it has meant making many changes to daily life, including moving house to have space for Harry’s growing ATV collection and the van that transports them and the kit to races.

“We have embraced a sport that Harry loves and we have gone all in. He is showing such potential that we just want to support him in any way we can and give him the time he needs to experience the different races,” says Jamie.

Harry is also fortunate to have access to paddocks, owned by a family friend, that he can practice at near his house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Jamie suggests that without this he may not have taken to the sport quite so quickly.

“There is no substitute for riding time and experience. Harry is lucky to have access to a private space that he can practice in. We also make full use of private hire track days to give him more track time and I would recommend these to any family that may not have the same access to private land that we do.”

Harry agrees that time on the ATV is essential and has grown to appreciate the longer races such as the Dragon 30-minute cross country event. He won the Nora-MX 2022 season and looks in good shape to win many more titles in the near future.

“I like longer races because I get more time on my ATV. I’m excited to move up to a 125cc next year but I am really enjoying my bLU cRU racing this year and it would be great to win the series,” concludes Harry.