Rising motorsports star sponsored by world's largest motorbike battery manufacturer

A 17-year-old rising star in motorsport has been sponsored by the world's largest battery manufacturer for motorbikes.

Joe Howard, of Newhey, has been backed by Yuasa, after quickly making a name for himself in the UK’s Thundersport GB motorcycle series where he won the champion Superteens title in 2020.

Joe said: “I’m so thankful to have Yuasa on board as a partner. They are such a big name in the battery industry and also in motorsport, so to be able to join the family and carry the Yuasa logo on my bike is a true honour. I’m so excited to get out on track and bring them home some wins.”

Jon Pritchard, of GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK added: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our support to Joe. His story really touched us and his results on the track have been phenomenal. There’s no doubt that Joe is a star of the future, we can’t wait to be a part of his journey and watch his career develop.”

Quickly becoming one of the most talented in his division, Joe is now competing in the Thundersport 600 Elite class, racing on Yamaha 600 bike and will be jumping to the British Superbike Championship next year.

Joe placed fourth in the elite class last year, and third in the East Midlands Racing Association at Mallory Park, as well as undertaking test laps of Silverstone and Donington.

 

 

Joe started riding following his father’s death due to prostate cancer in 2012, encouraged by his father's friend Brian Spreadborough, owner of Murphy’s North West, who made a promise to Joe’s father that he would look after his son when he died, and so they started going out on a ‘little bike’.

 

Read more: Joe Howard is one of motorbike racing's most talented riders and will be one of the youngest in this year's Thundersport 600 Elite classPublished: 20 April 2021

 

Along with Brian, Graham Tonge, Karl Murphy and Dorian Burt make up ‘Team 48’ to support Joe at races up and down the country.

Brian said: “Joe’s been mithering for Superbikes for 18 months, but we think he’s got a good chance of winning. He raced at Cadwell Park as a wild card and spend a good three-quarters of the race in pole position.”