Ben back on start line for British Junior Supersport series

The Kidderminster rider will be also back on the same bike and racing in the class for 2020, having made his BSB debut last year.

The 14-year-old will be competing on his 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the British Junior Supersport championship, which is raced on the under card of the main BSB series.

The only change will be his team, as he switches from RaceCraft Rider Development Junior Team to ride under the SBX Racing banner, although his team-mate will also remain the same.

Ben's father, Jason, said: "During the winter, Ben has been training on his pit bike and doing a lot of cycling and training at home.

"We have been unable to go abroad to train due to lack of funds. so Ben's first time on the bike will be on April 1, at Silverstone BSB official test."

Despite finishing near the back of the grid during 2019, the teenager was consistently breaking his own lap records, despite having made the huge step up from the Thundersport GB class into the BSB paddock at such a young age.

He was only 13 when the 2019 season started but also occasionally returned to Thundersport action, to gain more track time, as well as the N G Road Racing series, both of which are raced on UK circuits used in the BSB.

Jason said: "Ben will be competing on his 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the British Junior Supersport Championship, which is the same bike and championship he raced last year.

"His goal is to build on last year, be more confident and get into point scoring positions."

Ben's highlight of 2019 was racing at Thruxton race circuit, in Hampshire, which is the fastest track on the BSB calendar in the UK, only being topped by the one-off race that is held at Assen, in Holland, known to fan as The Cathedral of Speed.

"Ben had a couple of good battles at the circuit and cannot wait to return there this season," added Jason.

"He is also looking forward to Brands Hatch, in Kent, which was another track he enjoyed a really close battle."

The close battle Jason referred to happened during the final round of the 2019 campaign, which saw Ben beat his team-mate by just over a second and then fight in a pack of four during the second and final race of the championship.

Ben said: "I went out for practice on Friday and learnt the circuit, and then pushed on a bit, even though it was a wet track with a dry line.

"Qualifying later on was the same conditions and I improved my lap time, putting me 35th out of 42."

Feeling comfortable heading into race one, a poor start saw Ben drop back in the pack but after catching back up and making some passes, he enjoyed a good battle with his team-mate, beating him across the finish line by just 0.1 seconds.

"I was in the same place again on the grid for race two and had a great start, gaining a few places and was soon battling for 26th," said Ben.

"There were four of us in the pack but half way through my visor fogged up, meaning I missed my braking markers a lot and couldn’t stay in the pack.

"I ended up finishing 28th but was gutted I couldn’t stay with them due to my visor.

"Overall though it was a great season and I am very grateful for everyone who has helped me. I'm looking forward to this year already."

Ben and his father are looking for new sponsorship. Anyone who could help the teenager achieve his goals is asked to call Jason on 07415 277819.