TEENAGE rider Joe Talbot says his young age is no hurdle as he reflects on a successful career to date while living his dream.

The 19-year-old former Lymm High School student says he knows 2024 will be ‘mega’ after his fourth-place finish among the fast boys in the BSB Pirelli Superstock 1000 Championship.

It has been quite a journey so far for the Warringtonian.

Talbot said: “In 2017 at the age of 14 after my third knee surgery, dad decided enough was enough of Motor X (off road dirt racing) and he said ‘let’s give short circuits a go!’, so it all began.

“I had my first race in 2018 and I haven’t looked back since.”

And he showed his progression was as quick as the bikes he thrills at racing.

“I finished sixth in Thundersport GB Superteens Championship and the year later in 2019, I won the Championship,” he said.

“We decided to have go at the British Championship in 2020, riding in the British Superstock 600 Class.

“This was a lot tougher, and I learnt a lot quickly, finishing seventh in the Championship.

“Alongside the BSB (British Superbikes) I kept practicing racing in the No Limits Racing series.

“I won the Pirelli 600 Super Series and the ACU Endurance 600 Championship with my teammate. I was loving my racing.”

Talbot continued: “In 2021, I competed again in the BSB Superstock 600 and the Pirelli Series 600.

“The Superstock Championship came down to the last race at Brands Hatch and I came second, gutted for sure but I had tried my best. I won the No Limits Championship, for the second year.

“For 2022 I had to move out of the BSB Superstock 600, as a rule. So, I competed in the Superstock 1000, also in No Limits Pirelli Super Series 1000 Championship.”

Some things became clear that season.

“The BSB Championship was my toughest year to date,” he said.

“My Kawasaki ZX-10RR really couldn’t compete with the top boys in this class.

“I gained a lot of race craft and definitely grew. Finishing 20th, being the youngest on the grid didn’t matter, I wanted to be with the fast boys so we had decisions to make over the winter period. I did win the No Limits Racing Pirelli Super Series 1000 Championship.

“For 2023, dad said ‘let’s have a go on the Honda Fireblade’, so we tested last winter for six days and loved it. I knew straight away it was the best decision to move manufacturers.

“So, here we are at the end of the 2023 season, just finishing another year in the BSB Pirelli Superstock 1000 Championship.

“And what a year - five podiums from two wins, one second and two thirds. I will take that.

“It’s been a massive leap this year. I have proven to myself I can challenge the ‘fast boys’ by finishing fourth in the Championship.

“I’m still the youngest on the grid, but I have proven it’s not an age ability it’s a mindset, and my mind is set to do the best I can in 2024.

“I am reviewing options for 2024 but I know it’s going to be mega.

“I'd like to thank everyone that supports me and enables me to live my dream.”