Teen set to burn up rivals in drive for MotoGP

While other kids were still ­using stabilisers to ride their bicycles, Jordan Gill was kickstarting his motorbike and gearing up for life on the track.

Jordan Gill with his huge collection of trophies. Picture: contributed

Sporting prodigy Jordan, 13, began riding dirt bikes at the tender age of three and was ­taking part in off-road races by the time he was five.

At seven, he had won all three Scottish Club Championships in the 50cc engine class and a year later was placed second overall in the Scottish Championships.

Jordan, from Broxburn, has now amassed more than 100 trophies, medals and plaques – and shows no signs of slowing down as he moves into the fast-paced world of road racing.

The teenager has recently landed a sponsorship deal worth around £2500 with Perth-based company Inspiro, a division of network solution provider D3 Audio Visual.

And the youngster has his sights set on becoming a professional MotoGP racer – the premier championship of motorcycle racing.

He said: “My life’s ambition is to race professionally in the MotoGP. It’s just an adrenaline rush – it’s something I would recommend to other people.”

Dad David Gill, 48, also ­harbours a passion for motorbikes, but insists thrill-seeker Jordan took to the sport of his own accord. He said: “Before he could talk he was watching the motorbikes on the TV.”

But the father-of-two admits watching Jordan race round the track at speeds of up to 100mph still leaves him feeling nervous. “We are sort of battle-
hardened – we get used to it,” he said.

“There was a time when it was slightly nerve-racking – well, it still is nerve-racking, but you get used to it. There’s been a few falls and a few slides.”

Jordan said he is determined to win the Thundersport ­Superteen Challenge next year – a prestigious race that sees 12-18-year-olds from around the UK battle it out for the top position.

He is also aiming to set the lap record at both the Knockhill and East Fortune racing circuits.

The Inspiro deal will allow the teenager, who goes through two helmets a year in wear and tear, to afford specialist equipment and race fees. And Mr Gill said Jordan’s school, Broxburn Academy, has played an instrumental part in encouraging the youngster’s commitment to racing, allowing him time off to compete and rallying in support behind him.

Ambitious Jordan said he was now spurring friends to join him on the racetrack – with some success.

He said: “The boys that are into football don’t really understand it, but the boys that are into bikes do.”

Marc Heath, managing ­director of D3 Audio Visual, said: “We are a company which is always looking to the future and we are delighted to be able to help such a talented young man speed towards his own sporting future. Jordan is an absolute ­natural.”