2017 News Archives
March 25th 2017
Jack fit and raring to go
Jack returned from a three day training camp with 26 of Britain's top young riders and declared himself fit and raring to go.
The event organized by British Under-23 Team Manager Neil Vatcher took place on the Isle Of Wight at the pacey Smallbrook circuit.
Two days of track time under the supervision of the experienced Paul Hurry and Belle Vue Ace Stevie Worrall, and sandwiched in between a day spent off the bike focusing on fitness nutrition and bike set ups and media training.
The track days where an ideal way to blow the cobwebs away and test bikes ahead of the new season which is now just a few weeks away.
Jack was quickly on the pace and showed his delight at being back on the bike after a winter of in activity as he hooked up with his new Sheffield Tigers team mate and fellow Yorkshireman Josh Bates.
Josh who was crowned Under 21 British Champion for the second time last April in a meeting in which Jack shocked the speedway world by becoming the youngest ever rider to qualify for the Grand Final.
Despite that Jack has failed to be seeded and now must qualify for this years Final via a tricky semi final at Peterborough on 11 April with the Final being staged at Poole.
Jack said "Its been great to be back on the bike it was an amazing few days, I'd like to thank Neil and Jackie Vatcher, Stevie Worall, Paul Hurry, Barry Bishop and all the trackstaff and people who gave their time up and make this all happen.
I'm buzzing and can't wait for the new season to start.
I've learnt alot this week and it's been great to spend some time with my mates.
I'm looking forward to riding for my parent club Sheffield and going back to Birmingham, and I also want to get to the Under 21 Final at Poole. I rode there a couple of years ago on a 250 and loved the track.
But first I have to qualify at Peterborough, a track I've only ridden once before, but my target is to qualify and go one better than last year grab a rostrum place."
April 19th 2017
JACK PARKINSON-BLACKBURN has been forced to pull out of Tuesday's British Under-21 Semi-Final at Peterborough.
It comes after both of the teenager's machines were severely damaged whilst in SGB Championship action over the weekend.
While he was able to put a makeshift bike together consisting of spare parts, he has now been left scrapping around for other pieces of equipment.
While he has made the hard decision to withdraw from the prestigious individual event, the 16-year-old insists he'll do everything he can to be ready in time for a big week ahead with his two British clubs.
Said Parkinson-Blackburn: "I'm absolutely devastated to have to withdraw from the Under-21 Semi-Final.
"After reaching the Grand Final of the Final at Sheffield last year I was so desperate to get there again – but it's obviously not just meant to be this year.
“It's been a big learning curve already this season and we're only a month in.
"My second bike is a total write off; there's damage to the front wheel, diamond, the handlebars, and even the engine plates are bent and on my main bike, the clutch is just totally destroyed.
"We've worked it out to a total of a couple of thousand pounds damage altogether and it's not what you want or need at any stage of the season – yet alone so early on!
"My sponsors have been absolutely great to me since I started speedway and if it wasn't for their backing I'd find it hard to carry on.
"Right now it's tougher than ever though and we're having to scrap around for anything that we can.
"I have to put my two teams first – I've got two meetings for Birmingham and two meetings for Sheffield this week and I need to spend my time working hard behind the scenes to knock something into shape.
"I can't thank the supporters of both clubs enough as well – I've had lots of messages from them and I've had people offering me as much help as they can give me as well. It really is appreciated and right now I could do with us much help and support as is possible!"
May 8th 2017
JACK Parkinson-Blackburn wrapped up his first ever full maximum as Birmingham beat King's Lynn 54-36 in Norfolk.
The 16-year-old won all six of his outings as the Surestop Brummies began their National League title defence in ultimate style.
After securing four heat advantages in the opening five races, the Brummies lead by 14 points and never looked back.
While the full team chipped in, it was Parkinson-Blackburn who stole the show with a faultless display.
He said: "I'm so happy to finally get my first full max and it couldn't have been timed much better!
"The last few days have been so frustrating and a little bit disheartening to be honest because I wrote one bike off and severely damaged my other at the weekend.
"I've got a busy week ahead of me and that's why I pulled out of Tuesday's British Under-21 Semi-Final.
"I was absolutely gutted to have to do that because that was one of my goals for the season - to go there and finish in the top three there.
"But my team places with Birmingham and Sheffield have to come first; Birmingham have done a lot for me so it was only right that I made them my priority.
"I'm just glad that the hard work rushing to put a bike together has paid off.
"Obviously I'm so happy with how my own night went, but more importantly it was a great result for the whole club as well."
July 1st 2017
JACK PARKINSON-BLACKBURN is desperate to win his first Midlands derby as Birmingham's club captain.
The Surestop Brummies host Cradley at Perry Barr on Wednesday night knowing a victory by seven points or more would move them back on level points with their rivals in the National League standings.
Said Parkinson-Blackburn: "This is such a big meeting for everyone at Birmingham and it's probably the main one our fans want to win every year.
"I'm really looking forward to being captain and doing the coin toss against my old team-mate Tom (Perry - former Birmingham skipper).
"If I could chip in with double figures and the rest of the boys do their job then it would make me very proud to be captain in a derby win.
"It's a great honour to be named captain of a club which feels like home to me and if we could beat Cradley then that could really kick us on for the rest of the season."
The 16-year-old is also gearing up for a big night in Plymouth on Thursday as he lines-up in the British Under-19 Championship.
Parkinson-Blackburn narrowly missed out on a rostrum place last year but says it would be an even bigger achievement if he managed it this time around.
He said: "The line-up was strong last year but it's even tougher this season!
"There's some really good riders in it who are in some great form so it should be a good meeting for the fans.
"I'm not putting any pressure on myself but I am going there with a bit of confidence.
"I came back from my period of inactivity a few weeks ago and it's taken me a few meetings to get back into it.
"But at Plymouth for Birmingham last week I felt much better so hopefully I can perform similarly again on Thursday ."
August 20th 2017
TRIPLE DELIGHT FOR JACK
TEENAGE ace Jack Parkinson-Blackburn has been boosted after receiving three huge pieces of news.
The 16-year-old has been chosen by Young Lions bosses to represent Great Britain in the FIM Youth Speedway 250cc World Championships in the Czech Republic in August.
But after hearing of his selection, Revolution Speedway stepped in quickly to pledge their support to JPB's World Championship venture.
He has agreed to be supported and backed by their race team and all parties have been working together closely behind the scenes to ensure he has the best chance possible of maximising the opportunity.
Not only that, but this Friday ( July 21 ) he is one of ten British youngsters who has been selected to take part in the Speedway Grand Prix Academy at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
After a tough meeting for Birmingham at Mildenhall on Sunday , it's just what the West Yorkshire racer needed ahead of Wednesday's National League meeting at home to Stoke.
Said Parkinson-Blackburn: "Friday's going to be amazing and I've already heard plenty of good things about the SGP Academy.
"It's going to be a great experience and I'll learn a lot while I'm there too.
"It will be quite surreal at first being on the Cardiff track but it goes without saying I'm really looking forward to it.
"I also can't wait for the 250cc World Championships either.
"It's brilliant to be selected and it means people are keeping an eye on my performances.
"Rob Painter from Revolution Speedway has been doing loads behind the scenes and he brought the bikes for me to test at Mildenhall on Sunday .
"After a bad meeting, it was great to go out and have a spin on my own and even at Mildenhall's track the bikes worked really really well.
"Revolution Speedway are doing so much to help riders in British Speedway and I'm chuffed to bits that they want to work with me as well.
"They're serious about helping me achieve something big and I'm equally as excited to be working with them and I can't thank them enough for their faith and backing"
Rob Painter, Revolution's Race Team Director, said: "Revolution Speedway are absolutely delighted to be working with Jack in this year's FIM 250cc World Championships.
"He's a rider that we believe has fantastic potential and someone that we have kept a close year on since he made his racing debut.
"We are hugely excited to be part of the FIM 250cc World Championship and we'll be working as hard as we can to give Jack the best chance possible of making it on to the rostrum."
2016 News Archives
10.30.16
"IT'S THE BEST FEELING EVER!" Those were the words of wonderkid Jack Parkinson-Blackburn after helping Birmingham retain their National League Championship.
The 16-year-old has enjoyed a sensational first full season on the shale and will forever have the proof with a gold medal hanging on his wall.
The Brummies, who this year tracked the youngest ever side in the history of British Speedway, pulled off one of the most memorable performances in the history of the club as they successfully overturned a 13-point first leg deficit to claim a 94-83 aggregate win over Eastbourne.
Parkinson-Blackburn saved some of his best for the most important meetings of the season as he top scored for the Champions in both legs of the 2016 Grand Final.
"To play such a big part in helping the team win the league really means a lot," said Parkinson-Blackburn.
"We knew it wasn't going to be easy against Eastbourne, but even after we lost the first leg, we kept our heads up and we knew we'd just got to focus more than we had done all season in our home meeting.
"Getting off to a good start was always going to be important and that's exactly what we did.
"I made a great gate in heat one and it was such an amazing feeling to be holding off a rider like Adam Ellis around his old track!
"Unfortunately he got by me a couple of laps in but I held him up long enough to allow Mitchell Davey to pull clear at the front and win the first race.
"It was a shame because my grandad had promised to buy me a motocross bike if I beat him in that one but at least it gives him another year or two to start saving up!
"I made moves I haven't made all season and I rode inches of the track that I haven't seen before Wednesday . It was something I had to do because every single point was so important and we weren't being robbed of that title I tell you!
"I'm chuffed with how my season has gone and to ride how I did in the two biggest meetings of the season is such an amazing feeling.
"I've loved every single minute of this season – but we've still got one to go!
"We take a six point lead to Eastbourne on Sunday in the Knockout Cup Final and I'm sure they'll be looking for a bit of revenge.
"But the confidence is so sky high right now among the boys and we want to finish off with another win!"
10.25.16
"BRING on the play-offs!" That's the message from Jack Parkinson-Blackburn after he bagged his first ever paid maximum in the National League during Birmingham's 61-29 trouncing of Buxton.
The 16-year-old was in breathtaking form as he went unbeaten by an opposition rider, scoring 18+3 from seven rides.
The West Yorkshire racer says he can't wait for Thursday's play-off semi-final home meeting against Cradley and admits he's glad to have scored his first paid max at the D&P Raceway.
Said Parkinson-Blackburn: "To go unbeaten, especially from seven rides, is an amazing feeling and I'm so happy.
"To do it at Buxton was nice as well because it's a track I've done plenty of laps around and they did a lot for me as a club too with their MDL (Midland Development League) meetings.
"A lot of riders hate the Buxton track, but I love it! I always go there with confidence and I'm always looking forward to it and I think that gives me an advantage over some of the other riders before the tapes have gone up.
"We've had a few weeks without anything so it was good and important to get back on the bike again.
"I couldn't ask for a better way to be going into the play-offs personally and I can't wait for the meeting against Cradley now!
"Hopefully I can put in another big performance from reserve and help the team get a decent lead from the first leg."
10.02.16
SHEFFIELD are delighted to confirm the capture of teenage sensation Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.
The 15-year-old, who is one of the hottest prospects in British Speedway, will officially put pen to paper in front of tonight's crowd prior to the Window Centre Tigers' Premier League clash with Redcar at Owlerton.
The deal will see the current British Youth Champion become a full club asset when he turns 16 in September.
Parkinson-Blackburn, who is from Ossett, said: “Sheffield's my local club really and to sign for them is a dream come true.
“I've been going to the track with my family since I was two and when I became club mascot in 2012, that was an amazing feeling.
“But for them to show faith in me and want me as a part of the club's future, it's hard to describe just how much that means to me and my family.”
Parkinson-Blackburn will feature as part of the Sheffield side which will take on the Cradley Heathens at Owlerton next Thursday (7.30).
07.01.16
Despite enduring his toughest night of the season, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn insists Monday's National Trophy Final at Kent will benefit him in the long run.
The 15-year-old scored two points from three rides at Central Park as the Brummies became the first team to beat Kent on their own circuit to secure the National Trophy.
Parkinson-Blackburn is desperate to return to form when Birmingham host Mildenhall at Perry Barr on Wednesday and believes his team will extend their unbeaten run to 17 meetings.
"With the form the boys are in right now I think we'll get another win on Wednesday which will be a big three points in the league," Parkinson-Blackburn said.
"The 61-29 win at Coventry on Sunday was amazing and although I rode okay and scored above my average - I never like finishing bottom of the score chart!
"But to do that after scoring six paid seven tells you a lot about the team this year and it was another big result.
"Monday at Kent was tough for me and while I was disappointed with my own performance, I was really pleased for the team.
"We fully deserved to win the National Trophy and the effort the boys put in was brilliant.
"After the run of form I've been on, a score like that can help in some ways.
"I think that having a meeting of chasing back wheels can teach you a lot and I certainly took a lot on board.
"This is my first full year and while I'd love to bang in big scores every meeting if I could, realistically this is all about learning for the future.
"Overall I'm more than happy with how the season is going and hopefully I can show that I learned a lot with an important contribution against Mildenhall on Wednesday before making my Sheffield debut on Thursday !"
05.25.16
JACK PARKINSON-BLACKBURN says he's fired up ahead of tonight's home clash with Belle Vue and is desperate to help Birmingham extend their unbeaten run to 11 meetings.
Despite chipping in with contributions above his starting average, the 15-year-old says he was left frustrated after a number of bike problems during the Surestop Brummies' emphatic wins away at King's Lynn and Mildenhall.
The Yorkshire racer scored four points in the the 59-31 demolition of King's Lynn as well as their battling 52-37 victory at Mildenhall on Sunday .
Parkinson-Blackburn says he has made necessary alterations ahead of tonight's National League encounter with the Belle Vue Colts at Perry Barr and admits he is looking forward to coming up against fellow teenage sensation Dan Bewley.
“Dan has been on fire for Belle Vue and he's been the key for them so far,” said Parkinson-Blackburn.
“I was with Dan at Scunthorpe over the winter break and he looked really fast then. He's carried that into the season and it will be interesting to see how he goes against our in-form team tonight .
“I'm determined to have a much better meeting tonight . My points should have been so much more in the last few meetings but I've been having a number of problems with both my bikes.
“We've spent a lot of time in the workshop again since Sunday and we think, and hope, we've found what the problems were so I should be able to concentrate on my racing now without worrying about the bike.
“We've brought Richard (Hall) on board as my full-time mechanic for the foreseeable future. He's got more time on his hands since Sheffield let him go last week and he was helping me and my grandad out on the night I reached the Grand Final of the British Under-21's.
“Hopefully I can bang in some points and the team can get another win to move clear at the top of the table.
“All the boys rode brilliantly at King's Lynn and Mildenhall and we didn't expect to win by so many at either track.
“Everyone is getting on really well and we're all loving our speedway together.”
Parkinson-Blackburn also guested for Eastbourne last week – and got to experience the brand new National Speedway Stadium in Manchester for the first time.
“The stadium and track itself was amazing and it was definitely worth the wait,” Parkinson-Blackburn said.
“There were plenty of lines and it was good to have a spin on there before I go there with Birmingham in a few months time.”
05.14.16
JACK Parkinson-Blackburn played a huge part in helping Birmingham maintain their unbeaten start to 2016 as they drew 45-45 at home to Kent.
The British Youth Champion continued his remarkable run of form as he reached paid double figures (8+2) for the seventh time in eight meetings in what is his full debut season on the shale.
It was another impressive and mature performance from the 15-year-old which earned him the Ductair Electrics Ltd Rider of the Night award.
‘JPB' described it as the toughest night of the season so far but says he and the team will benefit from a more challenging meeting.
Said Parkinson-Blackburn: “The draw's not what we wanted really because we were obviously going for another win but overall it was probably about the right result with the way the meeting went.
“I was gutted with my first last place at home for the season in my third ride and it's something that has been playing on my mind.
“I was lucky in heat twelve because I was warming the bike up on the start line and my spark plug cover popped off.
“Luckily people in the pits noticed quite quickly and I've got to say a massive thanks to Tom Bacon's dad Mike for his quick reactions to get my spare bike onto the track in time.
“Even though my two bikes have got all the same parts and are set up almost identically, they ride so so differently and it makes it even harder to jump from one bike to the other.
“But I got a third place on it and then I went out and got the 5-1 with Darryl (Ritchings) which I was really pleased with. It was a big heat for the team and it helped me get my head back up a bit after that last place earlier in the night.
“I've got to say a huge thanks to Kevin Doolan who came down to help me on Wednesday too.
“He was a massive help in so many ways and every now and again it's good to have someone next to you for a full meeting who's got plenty of experience behind them.
“Hopefully I can put what he taught me into the next one and we're all looking forward to going to King's Lynn on Wednesday .”
BIRMINGHAM 45: Darryl Ritchings 10+2, Jack P Blackburn 8+2, Tom Perry 8, Zach Wajtknecht 7, Danyon Hume 6+2, Tom Bacon 6, Jack Smith 0.
KENT 45: Luke Bowen 14, Danny Ayres 12, James Shanes 8, Jack Thomas 6, Luke Clifton 2+2, David Mason 2+1, Danno Verge 1.
NATIONAL LEAGUE POINTS: Birmingham 1, Kent 2.
04.17.16
JACK PARKINSON-BLACKBURN wants to help Birmingham keep their unbeaten record in tact when they go to Stoke on Saturday.
The Surestop Brummies are looking for their sixth straight victory, knowing they only need to come away from Loomer Road with a single consolation point (losing by six or less) to book their place in the Grand Final of the National Trophy.
The 15-year-old says he's over the moon with how his campaign has begun, but is playing it cool ahead of a busy weekend for the Perry Barr side. "My scores are going really well at the minute but it's important I stay level headed and treat every meeting as a new target," he said. "I've rode a Midland Development League meeting at Stoke before and I got on well there so hopefully I can bang in some more big points on Saturday . "I know they've had some work done to their track so it will be interesting to see how it rides in the first meeting. "If everyone rides how they have been lately then we should go there and get another good result. "It's a big meeting for us because we want to keep the confidence in the team going for our Knockout Cup match at Rye House on Sunday . "If we can go into that one buzzing from Saturday then it should be a good weekend hopefully."
STOKE: Ben Wilson, Shaun Tedham, Tony Atkin, Danny Phillips, Chris Widman, TBC, Ryan MacDonald.
BIRMINGHAM: Zach Wajtknecht, Danyon Hume, Tom Bacon, Luke Priest, Tom Perry, Jack Smith, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.
JACK PARKINSON-BLACKBURN bagged paid double figures once again in Birmingham's impressive 55-35 victory at home to Cradley on Wednesday.
The 15-year-old continued his fine run of form as the Surestop Brummies got their defense of the National League title off to the perfect starts.
The Yorkshire racer scored 7+4 in what was a fifth successive win for the Perry Barr outfit. Said Parkinson-Blackburn: "I'm really happy with my score once again against Cradley. "I think I could have scored even more on a normal night but I had to jump on my spare bike and it wasn't working that great again so I need to look at that. "Because of how many 3-3's there were I didn't realise how many we'd actually won by as a team until after the meeting. "It was another great performance from the whole team and it fills us with confidence for the meetings at Stoke and Rye House this weekend. "Danyon's (Hume) crash was a nasty one and it's great to hear that he's got no broken bones and has declared himself fit to race this weekend."
BIRMINGHAM 55: Zach Wajtknecht 12+1, Tom Perry 11, Darryl Ritchings 10, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 7+4, Danyon Hume 6+2, Tom Bacon 6+2, Jack Smith 3.
CRADLEY 35: Ashley Morris 10, Luke Chessell 9+1, Max Clegg 9, Jack Kingston 3+1, Bradley Andrews 2, Ben Basford 2, James Purchase 0.
2015 News Archives
03.03.15
Jack impress's
Jack took to the track on his new ex Richard Hall bike for the first time, at a private practice session at the Eddie Wright Raceway last week.
The bike has the same frame and forks as his other bike, but there the similarities end with wide handle bars and higher seat and most crucially the engine being a GM with an offset cam.
The decision to give Jack the opportunity to have a relaxed first ride on the bike was not taken lightly and his support team gave instructions for him to take things easy.
Jack did one circuit of the track before taking up a position on the start gate. He dropped the clutch and rode four breath taking laps looking very smooth in a very quick estimated time of around 60 seconds.
Jack spent the afternoon putting in more impressive laps, before declaring he was very happy with his racing machine.
Sheffield promoter Damien Bates was also at the practice along with a number of the Tigers team and he too was impressed with Jacks performance which prompted him to invite him along to some pre season closed door practices at Owlerton and the clubs press and practice day. Damien as expressed his keenness to keep Jack involved at Sheffield and indicated he is part of his future plans.
Jack has also had other invites and will take part in Press and Practice days at Birmingham, Peterborough and Buxton. The experience will benefit him greatly with his sights set on a National League team place for 2016.
03.09.15
Jack To Ride In World Championships
Jack will once again be hitting the European trail with two major events been added to his diary.
He will compete in the FIM 250cc world championship in France at the beginning of August.
Then in September he will ride in the Golden Trophy Long Track meeting at Vechta track in Germany where another 250 World crown will be up for grabs. The meeting is staged on a speedway track but the bikes used are grass track bikes.
The two events. will mean Jack support team will need to but purchase two engine's so if anybody reading this would like to get involved with sponsorship, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Jack enjoyed a good practice session at Peterborough on Saturday and now looks forward to having a his first laps around Perry Barr on Wednesday, when Birmingham stage their press and practice before returning to Peterborough on Thursday, who also stage their P+P day.
03.31.15
Jack is Champion
Jack collected his first silverware of the 2015 season, winning the 2014/15 Winter Youth 500cc Championship trophy at Scunthorpe.
The rain effected series, was scheduled over 6 rounds running from October to March, but only three rounds actually took place with Jack dropping a single point from the three completed round on the way to retaining the Championship he has won 12 months earlier.
Jack is looking forward to a speedway packed Easter period, with plenty of track time. On Thursday, Jack will be at Sheffield watching the Tiger's take on Redcar, and then will travel to Redcar to watch the Good Friday League Cup return fixture,
On Saturday, Jack will spend the day practicing at the Northside training track in Cumbria, before traveling to Derbyshire on Easter Sunday where he has been invited to take part in the Press and Practice day at National League team Buxton.
An early start on Easter Monday for some workshop time, and then to Scunthorpe to watch the Tiger's and then Buxton do battle with Scunthorpe at the Lincolnshire circuit, before an overnight stop en route to Buxton once again, where he will meet up with his British Youth colleagues for a training day.
05.06.2015
Perfect British Championship Build Up
Jack's British Championship build up continued by winning the first round of the Scunthorpe Summer Championship last weekend. Jack made the best of very a difficult track to record the fastest time of the day and a personal best time around the Eddie Wright Raceway of 61.2 seconds.
Jack was once again undefeated in 6 rides and with the first round of the of the British Championship taking place at the same venue this coming weekend the signs are all positive.
Jack will also revealing his new race suit and covers on Sunday a full report and photos will be on line early next week.
05.15.2015
Busy Week Ahead
The British weather has massively hampered Jacks preparation for what promises a very important week with Jack making his debut in the 250cc class in the 2014 British Youth Championship at Leicester on Saturday.
The Recent spate of wet weather has resulted mass speedway meeting postponements and Jack not being able to test his new (to him) 250cc engine and it's a case of fingers crossed that the rain stays away and he can finally get some track time on Thursday at Sheffield when he is programmed to ride in two second half races.
It will be Jacks support team's last chance to make sure the set ups on the bike work after the change from his 500cc engine ahead of Saturdays 2 nd round of the British Championship.
A full report and photographs will be online next week.
05.06.2015
Jack Wins First Round Of The British Championship
Jack served notice of intent with an unbeaten performance, in winning the first round of the British Youth Speedway Championship at Scunthorpe on Sunday.
The meeting took place on warm sunny day, but the track as the previous week very little dirt on the inside, which quickly turned into a blue groove.
The track was heavily watered before the meeting which made it treacherous for the first few heats. Jacks first ride came in heat 3 and he was quickly into the lead, but very nearly over cooked it on a very slippy third bend, but he recovered using his head and carded his first three points of the day.
Jack had to wait until heat 21, by this time the track was just coming good and just has Jack was preparing to enter the track a decision was made to water the track. Once again, Jack had to contend with a very patchy track and without really getting into his usual stride recorded another good win.
Jack took to the track in heat 33 after the track had been watered for the third time of the day, and once Jack again recorded another good win to take his points tally to nine.
Jacks final qualifying ride saw him come against his good friend and Scunthorpe MDL rider Jamie Halder, who was also unbeaten and it turned out to be the race of the day.
Jack made an excellent start, but was soon under pressure from his hard charging rival, who made his move and forced his way through to lead out of bend three and four of the second lap, but the move was quickly countered by Jack who found some extra drive off the outside line and he sling shot himself back into the lead and victory in a thrilling race by two fine young British prospects.
The win gave Jack first pick of gates in the vital winner takes all final. To add extra spice to the final, Jack and Jamie where joined by the rider who beat him to the 250 British title last year Norfolk based Lewis Whitmore and northern based Keiron Douglas.
The final however turned into something of an anti climax with Halder touching the tapes and was put on a 15 mitre handicap. (A strange new rule that applies to the Youth Championships.)
The re-run got underway with Jack going around Whitmore out of bends one and two with Halder making his through way into second place, but could not make up any ground on Jack who completed his fifth win of the day.
The second of the six rounds Championship takes place at Eastbourne this coming Saturday, where Jack will be keen to extend his lead.
05.25.2015
Jacks Extends His Lead In The British Championship
Jack turned up the heat on his nearest rivals by winning the second round of the Youth 500cc British Speedway Championship at Eastbourne last weekend.
14 year old Jack, one of the youngest riders in this year's Championship followed up his first round win at Scunthorpe just six days earlier with another unbeaten display with only an electrical fault causing his bike to fail while leading in his 3rd ride spoiling a perfect score.
Jack got off to the best possible start, by winning his first two rides and inflicting defeats on his nearest rivals in the process despite a misfiring engine. Efforts to resolve the problem had failed and after making a great start and leading his third race his engine ground to an halt. Frantic efforts to resolve the problems finally bore fruit and normal service was resumed with him streaking away to win in one of the fastest times of the day and booking his place in the winner takes all final.
Jack had second pick of start gates and chose gate 4 the outside gate which meant he had the furthest to travel to the first corner.
The riders took their place on the start gate and were put under starters order by the starting marshall, but bizarrely the normal sequence failed and the tapes rose making for a ragged start and leaving Jack last going into the first corner. Jack made a dramatic swoop which saw him move into second place but the leader anticipated Jack's charge and tried to close the door but he went through the narrowest of gaps between the rider and the safety fence to take the lead and to go on and win by half a lap.
The manner of Jack's latest victory suggests this could well be Jacks breakthrough season with spiraling costs the only thing that may hinder his progress. Jack's family would love hear from any local business or individual who would be interested in helping with the additional expenses please contact Neal Parkinson 077 2424 0347 or nealparkinson106@hotmail.com
The win sees Jack extend his Championship lead to 6 points after 2 of the six rounds.
The third round takes place at Leicester on 7th June.
05.31.2015
Jack Wins 2nd Round of Cumbrian Championship
Jack continued his winning ways with another impressive display at Northside.
The meeting was the second round of a six series championship with Jack having won the first round last month. The meeting was staged on bright sunny day with the track in perfect condition.
Jack once again showed his liking on the tight 168 metre track going through the card unbeaten and recording some fast times in the process which hopefully will be a good omen with the fourth round of the British Championship being staged at the same venue on 30th August.
06.21.2015
Jack Tightens His Grip In British Title Quest
Jack gave his hopes of winning the British Youth 500cc title a major boost this weekend, as he produced another unbeaten display to win the third round at Leicester at the weekend.
The Midland track is renown for being a particularly difficult track to master, with long straights and tight corners, but held no problems for Jack who romped home in each his four qualifying rides, and then the final and posted a very quick time of 66.7, a time which is just over 3 seconds slower the resident Leicester Lions GP star Jason Doyle had recorded winning heat one of the Elite League meeting the previous week.
Jack now extends is lead to 10 points overhaul and has yet to drop a point to any of his rivals after Three of the six British championship rounds. (each rider drops their lowest round so only five round count)
The action now moves Hertfordshire track Rye House on the 26th July.
07.17.2015
Jack Set To Make His MDL Debut
Jack looks set to make a piece of history when he makes his debut for Scunthorpe Stags, in their Midland Development League meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday Night.
Jack will become the youngest rider ever to appear in the league, after Jack's family successfully applied for licence to be upgraded 2 months ahead of his 15th Birthday.
This will mean, Jack will be able to ride against older and more experienced riders and all riders are free agents and can ride for any club at anytime, which means plenty of extra track time.
Jack will ride for Buxton and Scunthorpe on a regular basis in The MDL and he will ride for Workington Meteors in The Northern Junior League.
07.23.2015
Jack Makes A Big Impact
Jack made an excellent start to his League racing career with a 3 ride unbeaten display, on his debut riding for Scunthorpe last weekend. Jack reeled off 3 tapes to flag wins all in times just over 60 seconds.
Then it was on to Buxton on Sunday, which is known to be a difficult track against much stronger opposition. Before the meeting got underway both teams had to make late changes with Buxton using rider replacement. Jack was pressed into action in the opening heat where he was up against two of Kings Lynn's top riders who had just taken part in the previous NL meeting to contend with.
First bend bunching resulted in Jack hitting the deck his front wheel being taken away from him with his hand going into another riders back wheel! Jack suffered a pretty painful injury to his finger but after some quick attention from the first aid people was back at the tapes for the re-run. Jack was beaten from the start but soon got dialedin and was lining up a move to pass the leader when the race was stopped due to a fallen back maker and the result awarded.
Jack made no mistake in his second ride wining in a very quick time of 58.4
Jack had settle for second place next time out but after being beaten from the start in his fourth outing quickly rounded the leader on the first lap to win and complete a 10 point haul.
Next stop was Belle Vue, and a very stiff test awaited Jack as the home side fielded a very strong team with 2 National League regulars and an a very experienced and classy ex British Champion Grasstrack rider amongst their number.
Jack was beaten away from the tapes in his opening ride and moved into second place off the second bend but was soon had the home number one in his sights and made his move up the inside on the back straight second lap to take the lead and go on to an impressive win. Jack went on to tapes to flag wins and got faster with each ride his last 64.6 was just 2 second slower than Aces Steve Worrall's winning Elite League time.
So after an hectic weekend 3 meeting 3 different tracks for 3 different teams Jack scored 19 points out of a possible 21.
The focus now turns to British Championship action at Rye House this Sunday, where Jack will be looking to maintain his unbeaten status and move a step closer to claiming his first national title.
07.29.2015
Jack In Demand
Jacks excellent start to the MDL racing, has prompted lots of booking enquires and Jacks racing diary is filling up fast. This weekend he makes his first appearance for Peterboro at Long Eaton v Leicester on Saturday night, before riding for his regular team Buxton in a home fixture against Milton Keynes on Sunday afternoon, and then at Belle Vue again for The Junior Hitmen on Monday night!
All Jacks results will be online next week.
Jack faces an anxious wait to see if he will qualify to make his debut in this year's MDL Riders Championship, which will be staged at Scunthorpe on the 31st August.
Jack has been named has Buxton's representative in the leagues showcase event, but the minimum meeting qualification could be changed from 3 to 4 meetings would see Jack ruled out. The cut off date is 9th August, by which date Jack should have completed 8 MDL meeting but only 3 for Buxton.
Confirmation is expected by the weekend.
08.05.2015
Jack Set To Make His MDL Debut
Jack looks set to make a piece of history, when he makes his debut for Scunthorpe Stags in their Midland Development League meeting, at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday Night.
Jack will become the youngest rider ever, to appear in the league after Jack's family successfully applied for licence to be upgraded 2 months ahead of his 15th Birthday.
This will mean Jack will be able to ride against older and more experienced riders, and all riders are free agents and can ride for any club at anytime which means plenty of extra track time.
Jack will ride for Buxton and Scunthorpe on a regular basis in The MDL and he will ride for Workington Meteors in The Northern Junior League.
MDL round up 1-3 August.
Jack made his debut for MDL pacesetters Peterborough in a table top clash against third placed Long Eaton at Leicester last Saturday.
Jacks first outing, saw him start from gate 4 and despite making a good start was taken wide on the first bend but recovered and settled in behind his team mate for a third. Jack joined his partner up frontfor a Peterborough 5-1 in his second ride and was in a similar position in his final ride when his team mate who was leading fell on the third lap and the race being awarded by the referee and Jack credited with a win. Not Jacks best performance at Leicester but he played his part and finished with a 6+2 points tally.
The following day the Jack turned out for Buxton against Milton Keynes, who featured Adam Sheppard who has been one of the “form” men of the MDL and who Jack faced in his first outing. The race got underway with Jack just losing out in the race for the first corner but quickly rounded Adam and went on to record his first win of the day. Jack went on to record a three ride maximum his third in five MDL outings.
The final meeting saw Jack lead Buxton against a very strong and experienced Colts side at Belle Vue. Jack made a superb start, but had to see off a very strong challenge from Andy Mellish and pulled away to record and impressive win. Jack second ride, saw him out gated by Rob Shuttleworth a proven rider at national league level he chased hard but had to be content with a second place. The last race proved to be the highlight of the night. Jack once again found himself out muscled on the first turn, and was last going into turn 3 on the first lap his partner falling on the third bend leaving him trailing the Colts top two riders. Jack chased hard, and was challenging for second place as the riders crossed the line at the end of the third lap and fine cut back saw him move sweetly into second place to complete an hard earned 7 point score!
Jacks MDL average after 6 Meetings
Meetings 6 Rides 19 Points 50 Bonu2 TOT 52 RA 2.73 MA 10.94
08.24.2015
Jack Leads Halifax To Victory
Jack took the Captain's role for Halifax the first time in his team racing career for the annual Northern Junior League 4 Team Tournament which was stages at Redcar at the weekend.
The meeting had 8 teams made up of 2 x 500cc riders and 2x 125 riders who contested 2 semi finals. with the four top scoring teams moving into the final.
Jack was in blistering form winning his first 3 rides and helping Halifax to top the qualifiers.
The Dukes where joined in the final by Castleford Berwick and Northside.
Jack carried on his superb form to win all his rides in the final and complete am 18 point maximum and steer the Dukes to a well deserved Championship win.
Jack also received The Rider Of The Day award which was chosen by the referee.
09.04.2015
Jack is The Champion
Jack has completed a superb Championship win in the MDL Championship Series.
To read more, please click the link below!
On behalf of Bones Productions, I would like to sincerely offer my congratulations to Jack in this great feat. toward his personal growth in becoming a professional speedway rider! This make us all very proud!
09.15.2015
Jack Makes An Impressive Debut
Fast rising speedway star Jack Parkinson Blackburn nearly caused a major upset in the Under 19 British Final which took place at Berwick at the weekend.
The 15 year old who only qualified on age related grounds 10 days earlier had been awarded a wildcard to the prestige event after his runaway success in the Under 15 British Championship. Many of the sports pundits didn't expect Jack to trouble 15 of the sport's top young guns but Jack hadn't read that scrip as he ripped up the form book storming to win his first race on the big track he had never even seen before.
A last place in his second ride suggested maybe the bubble had burst but a stunning win in his 3rd ride suggested a shock could be on the card as Jack closed in on a semi final place that would decide the Grand Final make up with the top two scorers from the heats being joined by the first two home from the semi final.
Jacks 4th ride brought another twist as he was looking good for second place in a race, that was down to 3 riders after a faller early in the race only for Jack to suffer an engine failure on the last lap. Jack jumped off the machine and encouraged by the centre green meeting presenter pushed his bike the last half lap to secure a vital point to rapturous applause from an enthusiastic crowd.
With one ride to go, Jack knew he needed to get a second place and he made a brilliant start but was rounded by the eventual meeting winner and fellow Yorkshireman Josh Bates, but rode confidently and secured his semi final place.
Being the last qualifier Jack was left with the gate the others didn't want and was to start off the inside gate one. Once again Jack showed his ability to handle the pressure for the big occasion and made a super start, and after two laps was in second place but was unable to fend off an outside challenge, and was passed on the third lap, but never gave up and chased all the way to the chequered flag.
A fifth place is a testament to Jacks growing potential and marks Jack out as one of speedways brightest prospects.
Jack still leads the Under 15 British Championship were the penultimate round takes place this coming Sunday at Rye House in Hertfordshire, where a 3rd place will be good enough to see him win his first national title.
09.24.2015
Jack is British Champion
Jack claimed his first British title with his fifth consecutive win in the 500cc British Under 16 Championship at Rye House at the weekend.
A feat that has never been achieved before. Jack has previously been runner up in both the 125cc (2011) and 250cc (2014) which makes his current success even more sweeter.
Jack eased through his four qualifying heats with four straight wins being the only unbeaten rider and in the process set the fastest time of the day.
The final got underway with local rider Jack Thomas taking an early lead from Jack, who was soon under pressure from Jamie Halder who charged hard under Jack, has the 3 riders entered the third corner of the first lap the riders all bunched closely together as they entered the first corner on the second lap.
With Jamie Halder still attacking from the inside, Jack was forced to go around Jack Thomas who suddenly locked up in front of him. Jack reacted quickly and laid his bike down rather than plowing into his rival and ended up embedded in the air fence! Fortunately, Jack was unhurt was able to take his place in the rerun, with Jack Thomas excluded for being the primary cause of the stoppage.
The Rerun got under way with no further problems, with Jack taking a comfortable victory and claiming his first British Title.
The final round of the British Championship takes place at Cumbrian track Nothside this coming Saturday, where Jack will be presented his trophy.
But there will be no time for celebrations, as Jack makes the long trip to Mildenhall the following day, to ride for Buxton their last NL fixture.
10.04.2015
Jack wins and sets new British Championship record
British Champion Jack, set records tumbling with another unbeaten display, in the final round of The 2015 British Under 16 Championship at Northside in Cumbria at the weekend.
Jack's recording breaking campaign, saw him wins all six rounds which had never been done before, but astonishingly he never dropped a single point to a rival in a race! He finished winning 29 races with an electrical fault causing him to retire in one race at Eastbourne, the only blot on a near perfect campaign.
Jack went out in style setting the fastest time of the day in a meeting, that will be his last in the Youth events.
Jack will still be eligible to defend his new won title next year, but feels the time is right to move up and is ready to begin his attempt to capture the Under 19 British title.
11.22.2015
Jack Moves Up
Jack made the move up into the Open Class, in the first round of the 2015 Scunthorpe Amateur Winter Championship at the weekend.
The meeting started and finished in wet conditions, with Jack making bad starts in his first and last ride with very different results.
The Open class fielded a strong line up which featured a number of riders with plenty National league experience, and close some good racing ensued.
Jack missed the gate in his first race, which featured only three riders but quickly moved up into second place and at the end of the 3 rd lap edged his way past pre-meeting favourite Stoke heat leader Danny Phillipsto go on to record a comfortable victory. Jack won his other four rides, to be the only unbeaten rider from the qualifying heat's and set the pace all day recording the fastest time of the day in his 5th ride.
The rain had returned before the final took place, and conditions had got considerably worse.
The final went to form with Danny Phillips Kings Lynn's Josh Bailey and Coventry rider Jamie Halder joining Jack in the final. Some movement at the start appeared unsettle Jack, with Phillips a flying start with Jack back in third place behind Bailey. Jack spent the entire race on Josh's back wheel but couldn't find a way past!
Jack will be looking to pull some points back in the second round which takes place on the 13th December.
