Yuasa, a brand of global battery manufacturer GS Yuasa, have announced their sponsorship of Team 48 in support of rising motorcycle star Joe Howard. Joe, 17, from Rochdale, has fast been making a name for himself in the UK’s feeder Thundersport GB motorcycle series, with his sights firmly set on the jump to the British Superbike Championship.
After being crowned Thundersport Superteens champion in 2020, Joe is now competing in the Thundersport 600 Elite class, racing on Yamaha 600 bike, where Yuasa logos feature at the front, alongside Yuasa distributor Videcon. So far this season Joe has picked up multiple wins and is sitting in a comfortable fourth in the championship.
Although Howard is determined to become the Thundersport 600 Elite Champion at the end of the season, the seventeen-year-old has his sights set on the UK’s top tier of motorcycle racing, the British Superbike Championship. In fact, Joe has been given the opportunity to compete in a one off BSB round at Cadwell Park this weekend (27 – 28 August). It will be the perfect chance to show the top teams what he is made off and kick start his career.
Joe’s interest in the sport began following his father’s death due to prostate cancer in 2012. Team 48 Manager and close friend to Joe’s father, Brian Spreadborough picked up the reins and encouraged Joe to pursue his dream of motorcycle racing in his father’s memory.
Joe Howard, rider for Team 48 said: “I’m so thankful to have Yuasa on board as a partner. They are such a big name in the battery industry and also in motorsport, so to be able to join the family and carry the Yuasa logo on my bike is a true honour. I’m so excited to get out on track and bring them home some wins!”
Jon Pritchard, General Sales & Marketing Manager – Auto, MC & Ind Comp Division at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK added: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our support to Joe. His story really touched us and his results on the track have been phenomenal. There’s no doubt that Joe is a star of the future, we can’t wait to be a part of his journey and watch his career develop.”
Yuasa are the worldwide market leader for motorcycle batteries and fitted as original equipment by over 90% of bike brands. The battery manufacturer is the UK’s number one choice for vehicle and industrial batteries, offering some of the most well recognised, trusted and high-quality battery products for use in a diverse range of automotive, motorcycle, industrial and standby power applications.
To stay up to date with Joe’s season and the latest Yuasa news visit www.yuasa.com or follow ‘GS Yuasa UK’ on social media.
Date published: 24 August 2022
