MOTORCYCLE ace Joe Thompson became the youngest winner of a road race in Scarborough after storming to victory on his Repli-Cast UK Racing Honda Moto3 debut at the Steve Henshaw Gold Cup.

The 16-year-old, of Cliffe, scored at the Oliver’s Mount Road Racing Championship - capping an amazing weekend for a youngster who looks to have a bright future in the road racing and British superbike scene.

In three races over a busy weekend at the seaside, Thompson twice finished first and second in his other contest.

Thompson said of the Gold Cup success: “It was an eight lap race but I had crashed in qualifying and had to start from the back of the grid. I managed to work my way through the pack and ended up leading by a good ten seconds.

“I took the lead after the first three corners.”

Thompson’s team manager, Gary Dawson, said: “I have been waiting for the prestigious win at the Gold Cup for many years, and always just being pipped to the post.

“This year, Joe won for us and we couldn’t be any prouder, a fantastic first place podium at the end of the race is phenomenal.

“Joe is showing his potential, and he has the ability to go far, he just needs to believe in himself and it will come to him.”