A YOUNG Bradford boy is racing in memory of a man who was tragically killed in a crash earlier this year.

Alfie Barraclough, 8, of Thornton, started competing in motorcycle drag racing this year and his final race of the season was at Santa Pod Raceway in Northampton, a course where Oliver “Oly” Tindall had always wanted to race.

Alfie’s dad, Karl Barraclough, explained how Oly, 37, who was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car at Oxenhope in September, had taken his son under his wing.

“Alfie looked up Oly so much,” said Karl. “Oly doted on him. For him to be taken away, Alfie was so shocked. He laid flowers at the scene on behalf of him and his friend Jack Taylor.

“Oly and his family have always been very good with Alfie,” said Karl. “They have taken him under their wing.”

Karl said Oly used to race with Alfie and told the youngster he had always wanted to compete at Santa Pod Raceway, the flagship for drag racing in the UK.

Karl said: “When Alfie finished his season racing at the track he wore a little sticker on his helmet which said ‘This one’s for Oly’.”

His dad also said Alfie was so well thought of by Oly that he led a procession at Oly’s funeral at the crematorium.

Karl said Alfie became interested in motorcycle drag racing at a young age.

Karl, who runs Queensbury-based Motorsport Services, which provides medical care at motorsport events, said: “Alfie’s been going to drag racing events since he was a week old. He and his friend Jack Taylor grew up watching the races.

Karl said that he and his wife Lexie bought Alfie his first motorbike when he was six.

“On his  raeighth birthday in July, he competed in his first event He’s had a good season finishing second in the Straightliners Championship and second in Melbourne Racing Cup.”

His friend Jack finished first in both events.

Karl explained how Alfie struggled at school with bullying, which caused him to lose some hair due to stress.

“But he has turned around his school life and is now focused on motor bikes.

“He rides little 50cc motor bikes, but his dream is to one day hit the 200mph mark.”

Karl said Alfie races on 1/8 mile or 1/4 mile tracks.

“It’s all about gearing and technique. Alfie’s technique is very good and he shows tremendous concentration.

“His reaction times are phenomenal, but he never asks if he’s won or how fast he’s gone.

“For him it’s not about being first, second or even last, he just gets the enjoyment out of racing.”