Silverstone podium finish for Parkhill

The Limavady High School student, who only a few years ago finished fourth in the North Dublin Motorcycles Aprilia challenge championships, secured a podium finish at the famous course on Sunday.

Parkhill was over the moon with the success and was even more pleased with his achievement as it was his first time riding the KTM 690 Duke bike and his first time around Silverstone circuit.

“I’m obviously very pleased with the way I got on,” admitted the Eglinton youngster.

“I was over at Silverstone as a wild card so to end up getting on the podium and only finishing just behind Jamie Patterson was unbelievable.”

The nine round series has been conceived to allow talented young riders the opportunity to develop their skills on some of the most legendary racing circuits and as part of the World Superbike Championship.

The teenage racers compete on completely identical race-prepared KTM 690 Duke motorcycles ensuring equal competition and allowing the most promising riders to shine as they begin their international racing careers and Parkhill is hoping this is the first of many races on the world famous track.

Parkhill, who has trials riding with Irish racing legend Ryan Farquhar, also competes in local motocross events.

“It’s great working and riding with Ryan, he’s unbelievable and gives me advice all the time. I also take part in some motocross races just to keep working on bikes,” he added.

“Having finished in second place, racing against the best young motorcycle riders throughout the world certainly means I want to get more and more rides.

“The Junior range, which I competed in on Sunday at Silverstone, is for people aged from 14-19, so I have another few years to try and get that first place.

“With it being my first time on both the motorcycle and the track I do believe getting more experience on both can only help me, I would love to get more rides but it’s a very expensive sport. I have a bit of sponsorship, which is great and I would like to take this opportunity to thank, KMR Kawasaki, Longs/Supervalu Eglinton, JAG Graphics, Donnelly Group, Moto-Direct, RST & KBC and Jeremy McWilliams, Gerry Bryce, KTM UK for the great opportunity.

“Sometimes if you do well in races you are given a bike to use by manufacturers, so you never know I might get my own bike after doing well at Silverstone.”

The 15-year-old, also feels that although motor bike racing is massive throughout Northern Ireland he will probably need to travel around Europe if he wants to fulfil his dream.

“Road racing is massive here, but unfortunately there aren’t many circuit racing events, so if I want to continue motorcycle riding then I will likely have to go to other countries.”