Thirteen-year-old Joel Noon, from Staveley, has been invited into the Auto Cycle Union Academy for up-and-coming riders in 2004.

The academy offers support and training and Joel has attended several seminars, has a personal fitness programme and went to Spain earlier this year for training with the ACU official coaches.

Staveley-based Joel is in his first year on a Honda GP 125cc racing machine and has won the GP125cc Championship series at the Darley Moor circuit.

It was also his debut year on a GP bike and he took the championship in style, achieving a win in almost all rounds of the championshipHe has received help from Andy Jackson of National Tyres, Kendal and advice and support from Andy's brother and Lakeland racing legend Bob Jackson. Joel thanked Daytona for providing his riding boots and Sapphire Motorcycles, Staveley, for their suport. Next year he hopes to contest the 125cc British Superbike Series.