Local Superbiker gears up for comeback with former team
A local Superbiker will make his return to racing this season, following a serious collision last year.
Competing in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Chester local, Joe Francis, will return with Victor Racing on the Yamaha R1 Superbike.
He will return to action at Sepang, where he'll reunite with the Yamaha R1 and begin his campaign for a comeback season.
At just 16, Francis was crowned the 2013 British Motostar Champion, going on to compete across multiple classes - including British Supersport, Superstock 1000 and British Superbike Championship.
Known for his aggressive style and technical skill, he earned podiums and top-five finishes against some of the UK's toughest competition.
Whilst racing in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship in 2024, Francis was involved in a serious collision which left him recovering from injury for the remainder of the year.
Citing the Donington crash and its aftermath, Francis expressed his gratitude for being able to return to racing this year.
He added: "I've been on a physical and mental journey back to full fitness and re-evaluated my ambitions to race, which led me to being in contact with my former team in Asia.
"I want to extend a massive thank you to the team for putting their faith in me again to achieve great results, as well as my family and friends.
"I have had overwhelming support from the British Superbike paddock and I believe the Yamaha is the right bike for me to fight for those trophies on."
The contender now pursues his earlier ambitions to win within the Superbike class with his former team.
He will make his appearance with Victor Racing from the second round at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, from 30 May - 1 June.
Francis previously raced with Victor Racing in the 2018 season - making this return not just a comeback from injury but a reunion with a team.
Local businesses interested in supporting his journey on the international racing stage are encouraged to get in touch.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] or visit here for more information.
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