CRAIG Jones ended the season on a high - and then it got better.
The 18-year-old Greenbank rider completed his first season with Triumph Valmoto in the Supersport Series by claiming a podium finish at Donington.
That third-place ride was crucial, he found out later, to his winning the Young Rider of the Year trophy, awarded by a panel of experts.
It has all inspired Jones, of Marshall Lane, to think big for next season.
'Coming third at Donington was brilliant, for myself and the team,' he said.
'Realistically, I think I have a good chance of the title next year. We shall certainly be strong contenders.
'The bike is constantly being developed and we have already got more power out of it since the season ended.
'I know I have improved and the more experience I get, the easier it becomes. It is less of a fight, because you don't make the same mistakes twice - or at least you try not to.
'The standard has not been a mega-step from where I was [Junior Superstocks] but big enough.
'I am in physical training now and the season does not start until the end of March.
'It can't come quickly enough for me. After you have been off the bike for a while you are itching to get back on - we'll have testing soon and I am looking forward to that.'
