BACKFORD racer Joe Francis is hoping to confirm his place as one of the UK’s brightest motorsport prospects at the opening round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend.
Francis, 15, is a member of the newly-titled WD-40 race team and will race in the Monster Energy Motostar British Championship, a support series for the main BSB action.
Francis said: “Concentration will be key at Brands Hatch, as everyone will be out to try and prove something. I need to stay clear of danger, but make a push for a podium, which is the minimum I want from each race.”
Francis will be looking to build on an impressive 2012 which saw him finish second in the Motostar British Championship Junior Cup.
Lining up in the BSB races this year will be Frodsham’s Howie Mainwaring and Chester-born female race ace Jenny Tinmouth.
Mainwaring, 25, who is now based in Aylesford in Kent, will race for the MH Kawasaki team.
He said: “It feels massive to be part of this team. I have wanted to get back into Superbikes for a while and now I have a really good shot.
“I am looking forward to getting back on the Kawasaki as I just gel with the bike and I think it will give me the chance to have some good finishes.”
Tinmouth, 33, is based in Ellesmere Port and rides with her own Two-Wheel Racing team.
“I am really happy to be back on the grid,” she said. “I am one million per cent determined to improve.”
