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A young motorcycle racer from Erdington wants to take part in the British and Superbike World Championships after agreeing a new sponsorship contract.
Jamie Hanks-Elliott, who has already taken two race wins, has teamed up with automotive supplier and workshop equipment supplier AutoJack to take the next steps in her career.
The 17-year-old wants to follow in the footsteps of her grandparents Roy and Rose and her parents Paul and Julie, who all competed in the sidecar championships. Your Nan is the first woman to stand on the Isle of Man TT podium after finishing 2nd in 1968.
This season she is driving eight laps of the Thundersport Championships with her Kawasaki 400cc. The aim is to finish in the top 5 in as many races as possible on tracks such as Anglesey, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Donnington.
With the support of AutoJack of Wolverhampton, Hanks Racing can cover racing and travel expenses and gain access to essential equipment and tools that are used to maintain the bike.
“This is a very big year for my motorsport career so it’s great to have additional sponsorship on board,” said Jamie, who will soon be combining racing with sports rehabilitation studies at the University of Nottingham.
“I have been racing since I was 13 and I preferred to drive alone as I could do it at an earlier age. The idea was when I was old enough to get into sidecar racing but I enjoy riding alone too much and there are now plans to take some podiums this season to get wildcard entries in the British Superbike Championship receive. “
She continued, “Few girls participated in the beginning, but I think a lot more women have been inspired to compete, and we are sure to be a match for the men we are up against. When we jump on the bike we are all the same.
“The further we get, the more support I need and at the moment it’s a family matter with my pit crew, which currently consists of my grandpa, my father and my mother. The goal was to get more companies on board. We are therefore pleased that AutoJack is part of Scott Leathers, Tony Else, 100% Suspensions, 151s and PFM Brakes. “
AutoJack has seen significant growth since its launch in 2016. Car enthusiasts, detailers, processors and mechanics use the 100-strong range of high-quality products.
This is the first time the company has entered into a motorsport partnership. The relationship came about after a chance meeting between Jamie’s father Paul and CEO Fred Evans about a power generator for tire warmers.
“We see AutoJack as an up and coming challenger brand and that is exactly what we see in Jamie – the opportunity to become one of their main sponsors was the perfect timing for us,” said Fred, who runs the business with brothers Bill and Dave Evans.
“It fits in perfectly with our brand values of always striving to get better and we are very excited to see how it develops this season. The deal will add to racing fees and clothing, while also giving the team access to all of the products in our range. “
He added, “It’s great to see more women on the same stage as men and we are confident that Jamie has the potential to live out her family reputation and place the Midlands firmly on the motorcycle racing map.”
AutoJack offers over 100 different products, from tool storage, generators and compressors to socket sets and jacks.
Selling will be through the company’s recently launched new website (www.autojacktools.co.uk), Amazon, eBay and The Range. The company aims to develop an automobile distribution network so customers can buy products on store shelves across the UK.
Fred concluded: “To mark the new partnership, we’ve given you a special 5% discount on your first order after registration. All you have to do is offer # Hanks16.”
For more information, please visit www.autojacktools.co.uk or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.
This was published in the news section of Bdaily by Russ Cockburn.