May 8, 2012
The Rogerson family of Coolabunia could soon have a new speedway star in their midst … young Cordell, 9, is having fun and making a name for himself on motorcycle circuits in Queensland and NSW.
“I want to be world champion!” he says with a smile …
Cordell is the grandson of international racer Col Rogerson, of Kingaroy, but although he grew up around bikes, he came to racing without any pressure from his family.
Cordell went to his first speedway meeting at Maryborough when he was seven.
“He just loved it and wanted to have a go,” his dad Simon said.
Cordell has now been riding for 18 months and has had a race licence since March last year. He practices at his grandfather’s SB-MRT complex outside of Kingaroy but has to travel Brisbane for club competitions.
He competes in the Junior Class (age 7-16) on a 125cc bike. He’s already notched up a couple of 2nds and 3rds in Brisbane and a 2nd in Tamworth. In January, he competed at Kurri Kurri in the Australian titles.
Despite his age, Cordell already has race sponsors signed up. Former Kingaroy businessman Andrew Freeman, whose business Fluid Maintenance Australia is now based in Perth, has provided a team trailer, pit tents, racing suit and a second motor.
Cordell will be heading off to Tamworth again this weekend to get more competition practice under his belt.
UPDATE May 20: Are you wondering how young Cordell went in Tamworth? We’re pleased to report that he came second, against much older and more experienced riders. He’ll be competing again in Tamworth on June 16.
