HE might only be 10-years-old, but Ballajura’s James Marrs is already proving age is no obstacle in the world of motorcycle racing.

James is gearing up to compete in a series of high-profile state and national competitions across Western Australia and South Australia later this year and is being supported by Skill Hire (part of the IntoWork Group) to help reach his goals.

Competing in both the 65cc class for 10 to 12-year-olds and the 85cc class for 9 to 12-year-olds, James is a rising star in the motocross world.

He started riding motorbikes when he was four, inspired by his father’s passion for the sport. By the age of seven, he was already competing in official races every weekend.

His mother, Sarah Marrs, an IntoWork employee, said it was incredible to see how much James had grown: “It is frightening at times, but you kind of get used to it. Especially now that he’s getting on bigger bikes and going faster,” she said.

“He was on a 50cc bike just two years ago, and now he’s riding a 65cc and an 85cc. It is amazing to see how much he has progressed.”

Inspired by James' racing career, Skill Hire, a Western Australian leading provider of training, staffing and employment, looked to help support James in his pursuit of excellence. “The costs of maintaining two bikes, paying for competition entry fees, and traveling to races can be substantial,” Sarah said.

“This sponsorship allows us to focus on James’s training and ensure he has the best possible experience.”

James’s favourite part of racing is the camaraderie and the thrill of the track, “The friends are nice and sometimes when you do a good part of the track, it can be really fun. Some of the jumps can be a bit scary but I’m starting to get over them now,” he said.

His most memorable moment was securing a win in the first round of the 2023 season. His current goal is to win the state championship, a title he has narrowly missed in the past two years.

Sarah offers valuable advice for parents of young motocross athletes:      “Motocross is a challenging sport, and it's important to ensure that your child is genuinely passionate about it. Training is crucial for safety, and it’s essential to build their confidence on the bike before they start racing. It’s all about making sure they are prepared for the challenges they will face.”

Skill Hire chief executive officer Ben Dahlstrom expressed the company’s pride in supporting young athletes like James.

“It's important for not-for-profit organisations like us to give back to the community and support rising stars who are making a positive impact. We believe in the power of passion and hard work, and James embodies both,” Mr Dahlstrom said.

While James is focused on winning the state championship this year, his family is taking a measured approach.

“James has big dreams, but we want to ensure he enjoys the journey and continues to grow as a rider. If he
still loves it when he’s older, we’ll support him every step of the way,” Mrs Marrs said.