The Biker Place

Teen motorcycle ace Josh Elliott returned from the Almeria circuit in southern Spain at the weekend, having concluded a successful three day pre season test as part of the Racedays Jeremy McWilliams Superbike Academy event.

Despite the team race truck being held up for nearly thirty six hours in the unusually heavy snow northern Spain endured last week, things did manage to get underway as planned on Wednesday morning.

Elliott’s focus was to set up the suspension on a recently built spare machine and adapt to the Pirelli control tyres that he must use in the European Superstock 600 class, which runs with the World Superbike championship.

The fifth year student took advantage of the first two days of fine weather testing with the only snag a broken radiator hose clip. The opportunity to test alongside top teams from the Irish and British championship was not lost on the youngster. Too young to compete against the likes of British Supersport duo of Billy McConnell and James Westmoreland in Britain, he revelled in sharing track time with them in Spain.

Despite not having the speed on the straights of bikes from superior classes, he was able to measure his performance through a large twisty section of the track.

Although testing was the main priority a number of Academy races were scheduled as part of the overall ‘Racedays’ package. Friday morning greeted the riders with a wet track after some overnight rain, which slowed proceedings as the races were due around midday.

With some of the British Supersport contenders not risking the damp patches, Josh took full advantage with a start to finish win in the 600 class.

A slight over heating problem forced him to retire as a precaution in the big race which included superbikes, but having posted the third fastest lap, he was happy with the progress made.

Speaking after the event, the Fermanagh 15 year old was now looking forward to the big challenge ahead, “I have really enjoyed my three days here in Almeria and have found a good setting with the Pirelli tyres. The opportunity of riding with Billy, James and the local boys was great. I am looking forward to the first round in Portimao, Portugal in two weeks. I know it will be real tough at that level but if I can find a good setting there, I know I can be fast.”

The entry list was released this week for the Portuguese round of the World Superbike Stock 600 class which is to be held at Portimao on 26th to 28th March. The Fermanagh teenager is the only Irish or UK based rider on the line up, but he will find friendly faces there as he joins fellow Northern Irish riders Jonathan Rea and Eugene Laverty in the paddock.

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