Teenage Shropshire racer is back on track after theft blow

But Adam, 13, is now back racing and at a higher level than he was before. His father Chris Phipps said the level of public support and donations after the theft had been amazing.

He said: "The generosity of the people who donated enabled us to buy Adam another bike.

"We took the opportunity to step up in bike size and ambition, moving from the supermoto class to Formula 125, with bikes that look like the ones you see in MotoGP."

Adam, who lives in Highley, near Bridgnorth, with Chris, mother Helen and 17-year-old sister Amy, is the youngest racer in the North Gloucester Formula 125 Championship, where most racers are typically aged 15 to 16.

The theft not only prompted a new bike and a new championship, but also delivered a sponsor.

Wayne Jones, from Halesowen, owns Factory Plant Associates Limited and after hearing about Adam having his bike stolen, decided he wanted to do more than just make a donation. He said: "

I love bikes and used to own and race them, but now that I don't have any bikes, I can stay connected to this sport through sponsorship."

For the Phipps' family it was clear that a sponsor was necessary if Adam was to climb the ladder towards a professional racing career.

He said: "With Wayne's support, I am confident we will see how far Adam's abilities can take him. I also have to say a big thank you to Anthony Park, who used to race in BSB and now owns and runs Shropshire Superbike & Shropshire Motocross in Halesfield Telford.

"He helped us out loads by lending us his race van, coaching Adam on track days and storing his bike."

Adam's first race in the Formula 125 series did not go well, as the engine of his new bike seized. But with his engine rebuilt, he completed his first 125 race at Castle Combe at the end of June. Adam raced twice, coming second in the Saturday race and and third on Sunday.

Chris appreciates all the support from Wayne and Anthony, and said that it has taken the financial pressure off his family.