SPEEDSTER Morgan Edwards has his sights set on the big time as he prepares to burn rubber in the world’s largest amateur motocross competition.

The 20-year-old, from Upavon, is heading stateside to compete in the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) Amateur Motocross Championpships at Loretta Lynn Ranch, in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee at the end of next month.

Edwards has raced across the pond since the age of 16 and in 2010, earned a sponsored ride with Canadian team Cut Above Natural Stone/Factory Recreations.

After breaking his collarbone in four places during a crash, his race career took a step backwards, but the Wiltshire rider is back on track and is aiming to put himself in the shop window when he rides in the 250 class at Loretta Lynn.

“Loretta Lynn is the main amateur championship over there and it’s been really tough just to get there – you had to do area and regional qualifiers,” said Edwards.

“It goes on for a week and there’s something like 20,000 riders competing in all the different classes.

“It’s the place where all of the top ones get picked up to become professionals.

“I’ve been going over to America since I was 16. My family have been involved in selling big motor homes over there and we’ve got a place in the Daytona area, which is where I stay when I’m over there.

“I’ve got a few sponsors but I’ve pretty much always wanted to become a pro rider and I really enjoy it over there.’’

He added: “I prefer racing in America to being in the cold. I’m a bit of a fair-weather rider and I’m going to have to spend some time getting used to the heat again because it’s going to be 104 degrees (Fahrenheit).”

Edwards rides a KTM SXF 250 and is also sponsored by Mike Wood Tyres of Devizes.

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