It’s called The Ultimate Coaching Experience and for 14 year old Nathan Houterman it will also be the ultimate dream come true. You see it’s not every day your idol stops by to offer some words of advice.

This up and coming junior road racer is set to spend two hours with Australian MotoGP star Chris Vermeulen in a ‘money can’t buy’ one-on-one road racing coaching session.

In the second half of 2007, Motorcycling Queensland announced a competition offering a total of seven (one for each riding discipline), ‘Ultimate Coaching Experiences’, with international motorcycle stars like Vermeulen (Road Racing), Jason Crump (Speedway), Daniel Reardon (Motocross), and AJ Roberts (Off Road / Enduro) all agreeing to be involved.

“I remember when I was starting out, help from more senior riders was so valuable. To be able to speak with someone who is actually riding for a profession is just invaluable so I hope Nathan really gets something out of it.” Vermeulen said.

“I think when you are a teenager and you know what you want it can be the small things that make a difference, like where I lived when I went overseas, how Mum and Dad managed, these were the hardest things about being away from home. Then on the bike front, how to be consistently fast and little tricks of the trade.”

It will be a steep learning curve for Houterman, who hails from Plainland (about 30 minutes west of Ipswich) who has only be riding competitive road racing for about 12 months. He does however have a fairly extensive motocross background.

This coaching day will be a rare insight into the world of MotoGP for the youngster and a tremendous opportunity to learn from the French Grand Prix winner and the 6^th ranked rider in the world.

“Well done to Motorcycling Queensland for having the initiative to put together this promotion. Let’s face it these kids are the future of the sport and anything we can do to help is going to make a difference a few years down the track.” said Vermeulen.

The coaching event will take place at the Ipswich Kart Track – Champions Way, Willowbank, next Monday 4^th February from 10:30am – 12:30pm.