Davies nominated for Young Sports Personality

British 250cc GP star Chaz Davies has been nominated for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.

This season saw the 16-year-old move into the 250cc class after spending his debut year in the 125cc class. He took a bets place of ninth this year en route to 14th in the championship, following on from becoming the youngest ever GP entrant in 2002 and the youngest ever winner of a British Championship race in 2001.

The Young Sports Personality of the Year is an extension of the BBC Sports Personality award, and the two previous winners are England footballer Wayne Rooney (2002) and running star Amy Spencer (2001).

The other nine nominees are: Thomas “TJ” Baldwin (Skiing). Wade Bennett-Jackson (Athletics). Joey Duck (Athletics). Kate Hayward (Swimming). Elliot Hilton (Ice skating). Andrew Murray (Tennis). Emily Pidgeon (Athletics). Natalie Pritchard (Squash). Stacey Tadd (Swimming).

A shortlist of three will be announced on the BBC’s Blue Peter programme on Monday 8 December.

” It was a surprise to be nominated but it goes to show that people are taking notice of motorcycle racing in Great Britain, ” said Davies. ” I doubt I’ll win it because I’m up against gold medal winners, but it’s nice just to be in contention. I’m up for a couple of regional awards as well over the next few weeks so it’s been a nice end to a positive year.

Voting is already underway for the Sports Personality of the Year, with WSB champ Neil Hodgson up against England World Cup rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson.

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