This popular BBC motorcycle trials game show was a spin-off of the adult competition Kick Start (which debuted in 1979) and was aimed at young motorcyclists aged 8 to 15.
Filmed primarily on the grounds of Lord Hesketh’s Easton Neston estate in Northamptonshire, the course required immense balance and precision.
Youngsters had to negotiate daunting obstacles such as massive logs, oil drums, water troughs, steep mud banks, see-saws, and the show’s signature obstacle – a battered Volkswagen Beetle.
Riders were heavily penalised for mistakes. Putting a foot down to stay balanced (known as a “dab”) or falling off an obstacle incurred a strict 20-second time penalty.
Riders had to complete the intricate course twice, once in each direction, with the fastest aggregate time winning the championship.
A staple of school-holiday TV viewing, Junior Kick Start drew massive audiences, peaking at around 13 million.
The series was hosted – like its parent programme – by Peter Purves and Mick Andrews.
Filmed primarily on the grounds of Lord Hesketh’s Easton Neston estate in Northamptonshire, the course required immense balance and precision.
Youngsters had to negotiate daunting obstacles such as massive logs, oil drums, water troughs, steep mud banks, see-saws, and the show’s signature obstacle – a battered Volkswagen Beetle.
