Moto 2 test whets Josh's appetite for more

Editorial Department • Published 26 Nov 2009 10:10 0 Comments

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Josh Elliott's rollercoaster debut year in the 60 class certainly ended on a high in Almeria, Spain at the weekend with a hat-trick of successes that started with a new helmet deal, was followed by a win in the Academy run races and ended with a brilliant test on the new FTR Moto 2 bike.

Indeed, his test on the brilliant FTR Moto 2 bike has only whetted his appetite for more and Josh admitted that it was now a goal to compete Moto 2 level. However, he may not have to wait that long for another sit on the bike as, on his return from Spain, Josh and his team have learned that further development tests of the FTR Moto 2 bike are being considered before Christmas and there is a possibility he may be asked to take part.

All in all, then, quite a weekend for the youngster who enthused: "I am so happy with my new helmet and to have service at the races, however I have to thank Motodirect and AGV very much for the support they have given me over the past two years. The Shark is a great fit for me and has allowed me change my style to a lower and more forward position on the bike."

The three day event at Almeria was part of the 'Jeremy McWilliams Superbike Academy' track day and 'Racedays' event held in the middle of spaghetti western county in southern Spain.

On his arrival Young Elliott was delighted to sign a new helmet deal with 'Shark helmets'. Up to now he has been supplied AGV helmets by UK importer Motodirect from the mainland, but after his performances in Germany during the season he was approached by Shark who offered service at the races. After weighing up the proposal and discussing the matter with his current supplier, he was given every support to move brands.

After spending three days on track both learning and helping others with their racing lines, the young Portora student had more excitement.

The Academy run races to give that extra special buzz to the event. Firstly, he won the main feature race against many superbike category riders and to cap off a super few days he got a test on the new FTR Moto 2 bike.

This machine is a British made prototype being developed to race in the new Moto 2 class, which is replacing the 250 GP machines in the world championships in 2010. Only a handful of riders have got the opportunity to ride one of these machines and Josh is the youngest to date. His excitement was not surprising describing the test as "an awesome experience"!

Josh concluded: "The Moto2 bike feels like a 125 with a big bike engine. It stops and turns so well and is everything I'd want in a 600 machine. I didn't want to get off it, but I had the last run of the day and was only allowed a few laps before the circuit had to close. My goal now has to be to compete in the Moto 2 series, but I'll have to keep training and working hard to try and realise that goal. Only very few get there and it takes major funding to make it happen also. Still I'm happy with my progress so far and can't wait until testing starts for next season."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Nov 09

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