Toowoomba teen signs major racing contract

Toowoomba teenager one step closer to realising Moto GP dream

NEW DEAL: Toowoomba's Joel Kelso signs his contract with Leopard CIV team manager Alessandro Tonucci. Picture: Contributed

MOTOR RACING: Toowoomba's Joel Kelso is one step closer to his Moto GP.

Earlier this year the teenager was ready to quit racing before a timely donation turned his campaign around.

Sponsorship from Kingsthorpe business Jimmy's Chop Shop helped the talented rider secure "one last ride”.

That ride at the beginning of September proved to be a turning point with the 15-year-old signing a contract with Italian racing giants Leopard Racing.

"Through out the year there was ups and downs,” Kelso said.

"With only two rounds to go I managed to pick up a great sponsor to help me financially.

"It was a massive help. I really put my head down and started to get some amazing results finishing on the podium two times and getting a lap record.

"I impressed some big teams and managed to get picked up by one of the best teams in the world Leopard Racing team.

"I'm really excited to be racing in the CIV again next season.”

Jimmy's Chop Shop director Darren Cardiff said the team were delighted to see one of their first sponsored athletes living out a dream.

"There was never any doubt Joel had the skills required to impress a team of this calibre,” Cardiff said.

"I am humbled to have played a small roll in getting him over the line.

"Having such a huge success so early in our sponsorship initiative has the entire team excited about what we can achieve for our young sporting stars moving forward.”

Originally published as Toowoomba teen signs major racing contract