Hi °C | Lo °C The surprise packet amongst the contingent of local riders who cross the Irish Sea on a regular basis to contest the various classes in the British Superbike series is Paul Jordan, currently tied for the lead in the Relentless 125GP Championship having won two of the first four races.
The Magherafelt labourer, just turned 17-years old, has seen his rise to prominence rewarded with a 'wild card' entry for this weekend's British Grand Prix 125cc race at Donington Park.
Jordan told the Belfast Telegraph: "I have been surprised by how well I have done this season.
"The tracks are all new to me in what is my first crack at the championship.
"I won the first round at Thruxton and many felt it was a flash in the pan as I crashed at Oulton Park next time out. However at Brands Hatch I was third and then on Sunday past I won at Snetterton coming from 12th on the grid.
"I would have been happy to have made the top six in that race, but things just went my way and I worked my way through to win the race and set the fastest lap."
On how the ride at the Grand Prix came about Jordan said: "I sort of knew I was in with a chance as the MCUI nominated me and being in the top five in the British Championship helped secure the ride.
"It will be some experience and I will probably get 'smoked' as there are only a few Hondas in the class. But it is all about gaining experience amongst the best in the world. I will be praying for rain to keep the speed of the top riders down."
Jordan, who started his racing career in the Irish Clubman Championship, will be rubbing shoulders with the Grand Prix elite like Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner, who all started their careers in the 125cc class, and he says: "It's unbelieveable, just to be in the same paddock or even within a hundred yards of those guys is like a dream come true."
Asked about his current run of form Jordan says: "I'm not sure where it has come from. Luck has a part to play, the KRP Honda is a very strong motorcycle and strong determinations on my part are probably the factors."
Jordan had a test session at Mallory Park yesterday, the venue for the next British championship race on Sunday week and then moves to Donington where practice and qualifying commences tomorrow morning.
As to his expectations this weekend Jordan says: "To qualify in such a high quality entry will be a priority. I just don't want to do anything stupid."
Jordan is joined at the British Grand Prix by regular 250cc competitor Eugene Laverty from Toomebridge, who'll be looking to add more points to his haul so far this season in what is effectively his home race.
