EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Adam Marsden is flying high in the high-powered world of motorsport.

The pint-sized motorcycle enthusiast is already a veteran on the motocross scene after two seasons riding small automatic bikes.

This year he made the step up to the Junior Motocross Division, a year ahead of schedule, and has been riding against older opposition on six-speed racing machines.

The step up in class came with a new machine, a KX 60, which had much more power and far higher speeds than his earlier bike. He rode consistently for six rounds with two motor clubs, adapting well to using gears and the extra speed.

He showed such promise that his parents rewarded him with the latest model - a KX 65 - and he almost doubled his race speed. With even more power and improved brakes he was up among the top national riders, giving the older boys a real run for their money.

His speed and courage have earned him the nickname the Yorkshire Torpedo and earned him sponsorship from Mick West of the 'Play Dirty' motocross company.

This season was supposed to be a practice year for Adam, but he has driven himself to ninth place in the Phoenix 580 championship and 14th overall in the Newton's event despite missing two events because of holidays.

Now he is preparing for a tough year in 2003, but with some of the top riders moving up to older age groups he is aiming high.

"Next season is serious and my target is to get a high up the championship table as possible," Adam said.

His parents Gary and Angie have also become part of the motorsport scene. "It's a big part of our family life and the main thing is it's fun. We can't wait until the first event in February," Gary said.