Henry Snell wants Red Bull contract after strong start to Supersport 300 season

A Bowen teenager is hitting his straps in an elite competition, with the success igniting European ambitions as he eyes a professional career.

From riding around the dirt tracks in Bowen to beating some of Australia’s elite athletes in Victoria, a teen’s racing dream is coming true each time he hits the grid.

Motorbike racer Henry Snell is quickly making a name for himself on and off the track, winning the first Dunlop Supersport 300 event weekend of the season in Phillip Island.

The 16 year old said he was excited to have his career back on track after a significantly-reduced 2021 season.

“We only had three rounds last season, we had the first round at Phillip Island then had a four or five month break before racing twice in the same weekend to get the minimum of three races in for the season,” he said.

“The bike I’m using is primed and is ready to go, and last weekend I felt really good on track so I’m excited for a big year.”

Motorbike racer Henry Snell is quickly making a name for himself on and off the track, winning the first Supersport 300 event weekend of the season in Phillip Island. Picture: Contributed

Snell is not alone in his quest for a professional seat after a successful season, with a long-term mechanic and mentor Ken Onus working closely with the prodigy.

Snell said Onus had taught him almost everything about the sport, and the relationship between the pair was incredibly close.

“I pretty much got all my technique and skills from Ken, he’s taught me all my stuff since I started riding road bikes,” he said.

“He used to race across Australia himself, so not only is he really good at tuning the bike and making sure it’s ready to go on a race weekend, but he’s been so good at teaching me everything I need to know.

Snell is not alone in his quest for a professional seat after a successful season, with a long-term mechanic and mentor Ken Onus working closely with the prodigy. Picture: Contributed

“On a race weekend he’ll walk me through all the corners, the breaking points and the conditions, I always feel ready to go.”

With a strong 2022 season, Snell could potentially find himself racing in Europe next season, with the teenager eyeing a spot as a Red Bull rookie.

Despite a strong start to the season, Snell faces funding difficulties in an expensive sport.

With a strong 2022 season, Snell could potentially find himself racing in Europe next season, with the teenager eyeing a spot as a Red Bull rookie. Picture: Contributed

He said it was difficult to source sponsorship funding, despite competing in a nationally-televised competition and being North Queensland’s only racer.

“Most riders in the competition have two bikes, but I’m racing with just one,” he said.

“I’m hoping to get a second bike set up for wet races and specific tracks, but they cost about $20,000 just to get one.

“Being from Bowen and as North Queensland’s only rider in this competition, I’m hoping some local businesses jump on board and get behind me.

“It’s awesome to represent North Queensland with good racing, I feel like I’m doing Bowen proud when I do well.”