STK1000: Josh Elliott lands BMW ride

'I want to make the best of the testing time to properly change my style to suit the 'thousand' and make small steps towards becoming competitive in a very tough class' - Josh Elliott

Kyle White

28 Feb 2012

Northern Ireland teenager Josh Elliott will make his debut in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000cc Championship on Easter Monday after signing for the Surrey-based Carbontek Four Angels Racing team.

The 17-year-old Irish rider and Australian David Johnson will compete for the team in the class on BMW S1000RR machinery.

Elliott confirmed last week that he had lost his ride with the Pr1mo Bournemouth Kawasaki team, but the young prospect is thrilled to have been granted a second opportunity to race in the high profile series.

"I had heard a lot of good things about the Carbontek Four Angels team from some close associates in England and was delighted to finally get to meet them. Their expectations and goals are very realistic and in line with my own, so I am delighted to get the opportunity to ride for such a good team," said Elliott, who will test the bike in Spain at the weekend.

"I am grateful that despite time being short, Carbontek have pulled out the stops to get a BMW S1000RR ready for a test in Spain this weekend. Thanks also to my good friends Gerry and Susie Bryce for squeezing me into their Racedays event at Almeria this week.

"It has been an especially long winter for me and I just can't wait to get to ride the Carbontek BMW and learn all about it. I want to make the best of the testing time to properly change my style to suit the 'thousand' and make small steps towards becoming competitive in a very tough class."

At 14, Elliott competed in the German IDM Supersport series and also has experience of riding in the European Superstock Championship.

Team Manager Simon Frendo added: "We were looking to run two BMW S1000RR bikes in the Superstock championship this year with Dave Johnson and another good rider. We got to meet Josh and his portfolio spoke volumes.

"By the end of the meeting we decided to take Josh on and give him a good chance of progressing his career on a competitive machine. There hasn't been much time to prepare a bike but we have pulled out the stops to get one ready so Josh can test at the start of March in Spain.

"I think Josh and Davo will be a good combination for us this year and we hope to be right up at the front."