Joe Francis, one of the rising stars of British motorcycling, was back on the podium at the weekend.

The 15-year-old from Backford secured a hard-fought third-place finish in the Monster Energy Motostar race during the British Superbike Championship meeting at Brands Hatch.

It was Francis’ fifth podium finish of the season.

After qualifying sixth on the grid, the Team WD-40 rider quickly raced up to second in the first few laps and a breakaway group of five were in an exciting battle throughout.

Francis was in the lead in the final lap but was not able to hang on and was pipped to the post just before the finish line by winner Joe Irving and second-placed Tarran Mackenzie, losing out by a mere 0.144 of a second.

Team WD-40 continue their reign at the top of the points board, with a 16-point lead going the meeting at Oulton Park next month.

Jenny Tinmouth pulls a wheelie for the Superbike fans at Brands Hatch
Jenny Tinmouth pulls a wheelie for the Superbike fans at Brands Hatch

Francis, a Neston High School student, said: “I’m disappointed I couldn’t hold my lead and being passed as we crossed the line was very frustrating but with my size difference we are doing the best we can.

“Over the next couple of weeks, the team will be working hard to get the bike in the best possible shape and I’ll continue my own preparation for Oulton Park and hopefully I can bring home that win again.”

Brent Gladwin, Team WD-40’s manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of my team and what we achieved at Brands Hatch is just fantastic.

“Yet another podium finish for Joe is a dream come true.”

Frodsham’s Howie Mainwaring recorded an encouraging ninth-placed finish in the first Superbike race at Brands Hatch, but failed to finish the second.

Chester-born Jenny Tinmouth picked up 18th and 17th-placed finishes.