Birkenshaw teenager Elliot Lodge will compete in the British 125cc Championship this year.

The 18-year-old, who has ridden for family team Spike Racing since he was eight, has signed for former Grand Prix rider Steve Patrickson’s SP125 Racing.

Lodge said: “I am really excited about working with Steve.

“I am hoping to take full advantage of all his years of experience, both as a rider and team manager.

“SP125 has a long history of producing championship- winning riders, and I am looking forward to giving it my best to continue the trend.”

SP125 has had a rider in the top three for five consecutive years, including two British champions.

Patrickson added: “It’s great to have a local Bradford lad on board for next year.

“The last one I ran was Matty Hoyle, who went on to win the title in 2008.

“Every year somebody comes along in the Championship who upsets the formbook with a big improvement in results from previous seasons.

"I feel that Elliot has the potential to be that rider.”