A GREAT PADDOCK STORY OF HOW A TEAM GREW ALMOST OVERNIGHT FROM ONE RIDER/OWNER TO SIX RIDERS AND THE STRESS AND GOOD TIMES THAT COME WITH IT PLUS A CHAT WITH NEW US IMPORT, 12-YEAR-OLD ELI BANISH
The British Superbike paddock is full of characters, that's a fact; some you'd invite round for tea and biscuits and some you maybe wouldn't... In all corners of the paddock are teams that go racing for all the right reasons and they are where some of the best stories are found, none more so than with Bradley Wilson's Thorneycroft Racing.
A chance conversation in an Isle of Man bar with Rich Mortimer, an experienced team manager and talent scout lead to the dream of racing and running a race team become reality for Bradley Wilson. Earning his spurs in the Motostar standard class with Microlise Racing before switching to the British Junior Supersport class to continue his learning curve, as well as competing at the Southern 100 in 2019.
Being relatively advanced in years at the ripe old age of 23, Wilson has plenty to learn against more experienced racers but is improving every time he takes to the circuit under the watchful eye of Rich Mortimer. Wilson didn't take the conventional route to the BSB paddock, he threw himself in the deep end after being introduced to the sport by South African, Hudson Kennaugh. Rich Mortimer has his own history in the sport after racing himself for many years before turning his hand to team management and rider development.
Eli Banish is a great young fella, just 12-years-old and hailing from Kentucky, USA. Already having a wealth of experience after racing from an early age, starting with Flat Track as most youngsters do in the States before making the transition to asphalt. Eli will wildcard in the Honda British Talent Cup at Brands Hatch, Thruxton, and the Silverstone MotoGP round before a further decision is taken on which path Eli will follow. We also chat with Eli's dad, Tim, as he explains just what is needed to get to the UK and the early days of his son's career.
It's been a tough start to the season for the team as BTC rider Harrison Dessoy injured his wrist and elbow at Oulton Park in a crash avoiding a stricken rider before JJ Cunningham stepped in for the Knockhill round and who in turn also crashed, ruling himself out of the running for Brands Hatch. This opened the door for Eli to step in and make a great impression with the team and the watching the fans.
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