Undercliffe to Spain and Portugal for top young motorcyclist

The 20-year-old is heading out to Portugal and Spain for the 2023 FIM Junior GP World Championship, with testing beginning this month and the eight-round competition getting underway in May.

Bednarek only turned professional last year, but with an historic podium already under his belt, he is full of confidence, despite some gruesome injury setbacks.

The hot racing prospect told the T&A: "My dad (Dean Bednarek) used to race go karts, and he was British champion in the mid-2000s.

"When he packed that in, he got himself a motorbike and raced at club level.

"I used to go with him and watch and that's how I got into the sport."

Bednarek Jr started out on the motocross scene as a 15-year-old, before moving into road racing in 2019.

He moved up from club to professional level last year, with his stunning third-place finish at the iconic Donington Park circuit in the National Junior Superstock Championship last May catching the eye in particular.

Jack Bednarek celebrates his superb podium at Donington Park last May.

The 20-year-old said: "The big difference at pro level from club level is the speed of your opponents, as the jump there is massive.

"But I've taken to it well if you consider my limited experience, and there's people who've been at that level for eight to 10 years who've not managed a podium.

"I got one almost straight away, and it was really special to do it at Donington Park.

"I had a few mates down to watch and it was great to show my potential."

Last year was not all sunshine and roses for Bednarek though, who said: "I had a few crashes and dislocated my shoulder twice.

"One of those was my fault, as I was lacking grip in the wet, but the others I was either taken out or trying to avoid someone breaking down in front of me.

"It's part of the sport though, so you have to go into races with a good mental state to brace yourself for that potentially happening.

"I came back within two or three weeks of those shoulder injuries, which was a bit too early, and it hindered me for a while."

Jack Bednarek (centre) at the Cadwell Park circuit in Lincolnshire.

Bednarek, who is originally from Leeds but has lived in Bradford with his number one fan, girlfriend Lia, for two years, is fully fit and ready for 2023 though.

He said: "I can't wait for the Junior World Championship. There are eight races in Spain and Portugal and it's basically only one level below Moto GP.

"The championship starts in early May, but I'm going out there later this month for three weeks of testing."

He will have to travel between the UK and the Iberian Peninsula between races, explaining: "My dad owns a decorating business and I help out there just to earn a few extra quid.

"In racing, you never know, one crash could end your career, so it's good to have a fall back like that."

Bednarek's dad, who takes photos of him trackside, is a massive inspiration to his son, who said: "Dad's played a big part in my career.

"He sorts out my deals, gets me in with the right people, and he's kind of my manager.

"He's always supported me and I wouldn't be doing all this without his help."

Jack Bednarek poses with his trusty racing machine.

Bednarek can be found on Instagram on jackbednarekracing and on Facebook on Jack Bednarek racing #9. He is hoping companies will get in touch via those socials to sponsor him.

He already has some support though from current sponsors, which include his dad's business, HEC Decorating Specialists.

Bednarek is also sponsored by GT Couriers (UK), SDC Plumbing and Heating, as well as personal backer Tony Chan.

He also wanted to pay tribute to the support he gets from his racing team CF Motorsport Yamaha.