Lewis picked to race in British Talent Cup
Young Scone ace to compete in prestigious series
Scone motorsport ace Lewis Paterson has been selected to compete in next year’s prestigious British Talent Cup.
The Perth Academy pupil bagged himself one of the 22 available spots and will race alongside the country’s most talented rising stars.
Designed as the perfect stepping-stone for riders from the British Isles to get onto the world stage, the series provides an opportunity for young talent to grow and progress on the road to MotoGP.
Paterson (16) can’t wait to get started and said: “The British Talent Cup is a new series for 2018 run by the organisers of MotoGP, the top level of motorcycle racing.
“Back in May riders between the ages of 12 and 16 were asked to apply online, detailing their achievements to date and why they should be selected.
“In August of this year 90 young riders were invited to Silverstone for the selection event. This consisted of a number of sessions on track riding identical bikes.
“After each session 20 riders were cut from the group until they eventually arrived at the final 22 riders who impressed the riding judges on the day.
“It will be very beneficial because riding alongside the best young riders in Britain you will be able to compare yourself to them, and learn all the time. It will also get your name known throughout the racing paddock if you do well.
“I do believe that for the Lewis Paterson was in fine form during his latest run at Knockhill Picture: Jennifer Charlton
right rider and the right circumstances it does offer a ladder all the way to MotoGP because you are around the right people and if you show the right commitment and attitude they can take you through all the steps.
“My aspirations are to progress through to the Moto3 class in MotoGP in a factory team.”
The Paterson trophy cabinet has continued to grow in size following a season to remember, which recently
included winning five races and the Scottish and Knockhill Lightweight championship titles.
Paterson said: “I’m feeling very comfortable on my Cupar Motorcycle Suzuki SV650 at the moment. The bike is well maintained and reliable which allows me to focus fully on my riding and being fast.
“The last meeting at Knockhill was amazing for me. I came into the weekend with a large points lead in both the Knockhill and Scottish Championships. I
knew I had the speed to win both championships.
“I started off setting pole position on Saturday, which always makes the race easier, starting from the front of the pack. On the Saturday I won both races, which meant I clinched the Knockhill Championship with races to spare.
“I won all three races on the Sunday too which meant I took the overall Scottish Lightweight Championship with one round still remaining.
“To win five out of five races was the best way to clinch these titles.
“This season has been very good, finishing every race so far has meant that I have not dropped any points, which kept me in the fight for the title.
“I have won 14 races so far this season, and the last nine races in a row.”
Paterson, also a keen boxer, has aspirations to end his season in style. He heads for East Fortune Raceway in East Lothian next weekend.
“East Fortune will be a fun weekend,” said Paterson. “I don’t have too much pressure on me so I can relax and be fast. Hopefully I can participate in the annual Steve Hislop Memorial Race, which is the fastest 40 riders from all classes racing together over 17 laps.
“This would be fun because I will be riding for nearly double the time I usually race in so I can show off my fitness and compete against faster bikes. I hope to be the first Lightweight class bike in the race.
“After East Fortune the Scottish season will be over. I will be training properly over the winter to get myself in the best physical condition for 2018 so I can showcase my talent and be competitive in the British Talent Cup.
“In February next year we should be heading to Spain for a pre-season test on the Honda bikes we will be running in the British Talent Cup.”
Paterson is on the lookout for any potential sponsorship. Those interested can find the required information at his website: www.paterson-racing. co.uk