YOUNG motocross star Adam Marsden is planning a big year on the track in 2004 - despite suffering a heavy crash in this year's event.

The nine-year-old racer from Keighley started his 2003 campaign on a new Kawasaki KX 65 race machine and showed real promise.

He took third place int he first race and by round four of the championship was in second place in the Phoenix 580 championship.

He missed one event due to holidays and disaster struck in the sixth round.

Adam crashed heavily and suffered a deep gash on his chin and concussion. After having stritches removed from the injury he returned to action, but his race confidence had taken a big knock.

From running among the rtop riders he was struggling to maintain a place in the top 10.

But towards the end of the campaign he got a new bike and regained his confidence. In the final round of the championship at Finningley Moto Parc, near Doncaster, he captured third place to finish sixth overall in the championship.

Adam said: "The new bike is a lot faster and lighter than my old machine and the suspension lets me throw it about."

He is now looking forward to next year's season, which starts in February, and aim is to take the title.