A BACKFORD schoolboy who takes on seasoned motorcycle racers in a national championship is being tipped for the very top.
Joe Francis, 14, races in the Monster Energy Motorstar Championship, which runs alongside the British Superbike series. In his first season at this all-ages level, top team managers are already taking notice.
The Neston High School student began racing mini-motos as a nine-year-old and last year landed the Aprilia Superteen Series at his first attempt.
Joe says he now wants to settle down at national level this season and maybe win a few races before going all out for the crown next year as well as the Spanish Championship.
He said: “My parents are very supportive as are my teachers. It’s my dream and I want to eventually race at Grand Prix level. I live to race and have total faith in my ability.”
Not that allowing his son to live his dream comes cheap, according to Joe’s dad Troy, a French polisher and antique furniture restorer.
He said: “It really is expensive and a season costs about £20,000. For example tyres are currently £213 a set and we go through three sets at each meeting – that’s more than £600 and there are 12 rounds.
“Thankfully Joe is racing for Banks racing so the bike is supplied but it is still hugely expensive. However, I know he can make it and even if he doesn’t he’s living his dream.”
Peter Banks, of Northumberland, a former racer himself, owns the bike and team that Joe races for.
Peter snapped up Joe after spotting his potential.
He said: “He’s definitely got it, no doubt about it. The Honda he is racing costs around £20,000 to build and I guess it costs me around £20,000 a year to keep him racing.
“But I love the sport and want to help the lad achieve his goal. He’s going to be a big star, no doubt about it.”
At Oulton Park at the weekend, Joe again impressed, taking a fighting seventh-place finish at a speed of 85.48mph, despite the damp conditions.
The result puts the Backford Bomber sixth overall in the championship after three rounds.
