Bike racer needs support

Lack of funds forced talented Josh Hill to miss the latest round of the Thundersport Elite 600 Championship and the teenager fears he won't make it to the grid for several more races unless he can find a title sponsor.

It's a big pity because Josh, from Kiveton Park, had a fantastic 2013, earning a crack at the Elite class which is a stepping stone into the British Superbikes paddock.

But despite all his potential, Josh and his team have struggled to compete, getting by on worn tyres against rivals with more finances and better machinery.

He said: “The top teams are fielding the best bikes because money is no object. They're putting on new tyres every session, which you need to do in this modern era of racing, and they are £300 a set. I've been running on one set all weekend and they're not offering me any grip when it's time to race and it is costing me big time. The big teams have taken it up a level and it's either sink or swim.

“It's a shame because we have the potential. The sad thing is there's just not the budget to go testing and get a set-up ready for the race. Then when we do race, we're on used and abused tyres against newer bikes and fresh rubber and it just makes the job a lot harder.

“I still believe I can get podiums. I've won races and championships before so that's still the aim.”

Josh finished fifth in the Thundersport GB Championship last season, scoring a maiden podium at Donington Park at the final round and beating Freddie Sheene, son of the legendary Barry Sheene, along the way.

All Josh's races are shown on Motors TV and on Virgin TV and he offers a range of promotional packages.

Josh would like to thank current sponsors, without whom he would not be on the grid at all. They are Crossroads Garage Kiveton Park, Syd Smith Spares Sheffield, LS2 Helmets, Rock Oil, and AM Leathers.

Anyone interested in helping Josh can contact him on 07817 507311 or email [email protected]