Hopkins Continues Podium Run At Donington Park

Luca Hopkins has continued his impressive start to the 2026 1pMobile National Junior Sportbike Championship by claiming a second podium finish in as many rounds at Donington Park.

Following his debut podium at Oulton Park, the Yorkshire rider heads to the iconic Donington Park Grand Prix circuit full of confidence and again proves he has the pace to challenge at the front of the field. Racing for Team SBR powered by DKS Direct Drilling aboard the Kawasaki ZX-4RR, Luca enjoys another consistently competitive weekend from start to finish.

The signs are positive from the opening session, with Luca finishing second in Friday's free practice before qualifying third on Saturday with a lap of 1:40.022.

Race one presents a completely different challenge after heavy rain falls shortly before the start, leaving parts of the circuit damp and unpredictable. Luca makes an excellent getaway from the front row and quickly moves into second place before the safety car is deployed following an incident at Craner Curves.

Despite developing a minor front brake issue during the race, Luca keeps himself firmly in contention and battles home to fourth place, collecting valuable championship points in difficult conditions.

Sunday's second race delivers another thrilling battle at the front.

Light rain before the start creates another tyre gamble, but improving conditions mean the race begins on dry tyres. Starting fifth on the grid, Luca quickly works his way into the lead group and spends all 11 laps fighting for victory. The race goes right to the chequered flag, with Luca crossing the line in second place, just 0.156 seconds behind the winner.

The result marks his second podium in as many championship rounds and reinforces his status as one of the leading contenders in the Junior Sportbike Championship.

"It's been a really positive weekend overall. We started well in free practice on Friday and felt competitive straight away, which gave us a good platform for the rest of the weekend.

"Saturday's race was really sketchy with how much rain had come down before the start. Grip levels were changing all the time and we had a small issue with the front brake during the race, so I was pleased to still come away with fourth in those conditions.

"Sunday was another interesting one because of the weather before the race, but we made the right call on tyres and the pace felt strong throughout. To come away with another podium and leave the weekend third in the championship is something I'm really happy with.

"A huge thank you to Team SBR, my sponsors and everyone supporting me. We're in a good place heading into the break and I'm already looking forward to Knockhill."

Two rounds into the season, Luca remains third in the championship standings and carries strong momentum into the short break before the series resumes at Knockhill.