Podium Finish Marks Dream Start To Junior Sportbike Campaign

Luca Hopkins has enjoyed the perfect start to his 2026 1pMobile National Junior Sportbike Championship campaign, claiming a superb podium finish during the opening round at Oulton Park.

Making his debut in the championship, which forms part of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship support package, Luca immediately establishes himself as one of the riders to watch with a standout weekend aboard the Team SBR powered by DKS Direct Drilling Kawasaki ZX-4RR.

The 18-year-old qualifies fourth after setting an impressive lap of 1:48.241, putting himself firmly in contention from the outset.

Race one doesn't quite go to plan after a jump start earns Luca a double long lap penalty. Despite the setback, he fights back through the field to secure sixth place and valuable championship points, showing the pace that had been evident throughout the weekend.

Monday's second race provides the opportunity to turn that speed into silverware.

Starting from sixth on the grid, Luca quickly settles into the leading group and spends the entire 10-lap race battling wheel-to-wheel at the front. Remaining composed throughout an intense contest, he makes his move at exactly the right moment to snatch second place by just 0.252 seconds as the riders cross the finish line.

The result secures Luca's first podium in the championship and caps an outstanding debut weekend on one of the biggest stages in British motorcycle racing.

"Monday was a brilliant race and a great way to start the season. We were right in the fight from the start and I felt strong throughout. To come away with second on my first weekend in the championship is something I'm really happy with.

"It's a big step up this year and the level is really competitive, so this gives us a lot of confidence going forward. Huge thanks to everyone at Team SBR and all of my sponsors for making it possible. A few months ago it wasn't certain I'd even be on the grid, so this result means a lot."

The opening round leaves Luca third in the championship standings and provides the ideal platform heading into the next event at Donington Park, where he'll be looking to continue his impressive start to the season.