TEENAGE motorcycle ace TJ Toms, from Puriton, is full of confidence preparing for the 2019 National Superstock 600 Championship with a new team and a new bike, writes Alan Heal.

Toms has the same objective, however - to be a regular on the podium and challenge for the title.

Last season was the first full year in the 600cc class with a string of points scoring finishes before a hard earned podium crossing the line in third position at Brands Hatch in the season finale.

His stunning performances came to the attention of a number of teams in the paddock and his hard work has been repaid after being signed by leading team G&S Racing, backed by Kawasaki UK, for the 2019 season aboard a brand new Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Toms' teammate this year will be rising star Kevin Keyes, who Toms pipped on the line for his podium at Brands Hatch.

G&S Racing Team manager Mark Fisher said: “I am very pleased to welcome TJ to the team.

"With TJ and Kevin both working together in the Pirelli Superstock 600 Championship this year we have a very strong team and will be a serious challenge for the title."

Toms and the team will be heading to Spain mid-March for a full test prior to the new season where the first round is set for Silverstone over the Easter weekend of April 19-22.

Toms said: “I’m familiar with the Kawasaki but this year I will be using different suspension and brakes so the test in Spain will help get to grips with the new bike’s capabilities."

A fund raising party will be held at ‘37 Sports and Social Club’ in Puriton on February 23, starting at 7.30pm, and all are welcome to come along and meet TJ and the team.

Follow his and the team's progress at tjtoms.com, on Twitter @TJSquidge or on Facebook with TJ Toms Racing.