Toowoomba rider stars in Italy

Young Toowoomba reignites motorbike racing career with big performances in Italy.

REVVED UP: Toowoomba rider Joel Kelso puts his JDS Moto bike to the test during Pre Moto 3 action at the Mugello Circuit in Italy. Kelso finished with second and third placings from his two races. Picture: Contributed

MOTORSPORT: Two months ago Joel Kelso was about to quit racing.

The financial pressures associated with competing were "crippling” his mother's bank account and Kelso was about to hang up his helmet.

That was before a stunning turn of events at the weekend reignited Kelso's Moto GP dreams.

With significant financial support from Kingsthorpe business Jimmy's Chop Shop, Kelso secured his international podium finishes in Italy at the weekend.

Racing in round five of the Campionate Italiano Velocita (CIV), Kelso finished with a second and a third from his two Pre Moto 3 races.

"It was loud in the shop while we were watching him race,” Jimmy's Chop Shop team member Brendon Quirey said.

"There was a lot of shouting, screaming and cheering. Then we had Joel's mum on the phone afterwards and she was crying because she was so happy.

"And then to see him do so well in Moto 3, his first ride in that category, on the same weekend was extraordinary.”

Quirey said the team was not entirely surprised by Kelso's performances at the weekend.

"He was back in Australia for a few weeks recently to see his mum and speak to us (Jimmy's Chop Shop) about the sponsorship,” Quirey said.

"Just before he left to head back to Italy he told us he was going to make it happen.

"He flew to Italy with a 24-year-old team mechanic after racing at Winton, Victoria and slept in the team's truck until they could arrange accommodation.

"He's determined and he's got the talent to be a world champion. He just needed that bit of support - Jimmy (Lindsay) and Darren (Cardiff) were happy to help because he's a great kid.”

Kelso's performances at the weekend caught the eye of key racing figures and now his future looks even brighter.

"A number of teams, good teams, approached Joel over the weekend,” Quirey said.

"They're keen to sign him up.

"He's got some big decisions to make but he's a pretty cool customer.

"He wants to ride in the Moto GP one day and he's a step closer now.”

Originally published as Toowoomba rider stars in Italy