Number: 41
Occupation: Power Supplier
2026 Competition: 1P Mobile Junior Sportbike Championship
Team SBR powered by DKS Drilling
Supported by Target Power Generators / MasterMac Surfacing
Date of birth: 27th February 2008
Home: Yorkshire
Despite being early in his BSB career, Luca Hopkins has already demonstrated a level of maturity, determination and natural talent beyond his years. Currently competing in the 1PMobile National Junior Sportbike Championship, Luca is already making serious waves in the championship standings, coming out of Oulton Park R1 and Donington Park R2 third overall. With early podiums, a grounded mindset, and a strong support network behind him, he is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young riders to watch in the British paddock.
We caught up with Luca to talk about where it all began, the role of his family, and what continues to drive his rapid progression in the sport.
Q: Luca, let’s start at the beginning, how did you first get into motorbike racing?
I first got into racing through my Dad, I’ve been round bikes all my life, I’ve been on a bike since 5 years old and racing since I was 8 years old. Initially I raced every single weekend at The Scott Redding Young Riders Academy at the Swindon Karting Arena, located at the Wroughton airfield site in Swindon, and I moved on to Fab racing to compete in the Minimoto Championship, the same place and championship where 2022 BSB champion Bradley Ray started.
Q: Motorsport can be demanding; how important has family support been in your journey?
Yes obviously it is very demanding, I am an only child, my family is just me, Mum and Dad and we’ve always gone racing together. Up until a few years ago, before Dad got ill, Dad organised all my races for me. They’ve given me a lot of financial support and none of it would be possible without them.
Q: You’ve already achieved some impressive results; can you talk us through your racing journey and wins to date?
Yes, in 2017 I finished 2nd in the Minimoto Championship. In 2019 I did a Wild Card in the Ohvale World Series and I qualified sixth in the race, I sadly broke down in the race but still managed to qualify sixth. I came second in the British Ohvale Cup in 2020. I made my step into the British paddocks in 2021 and I competed in the British Talent Cup from 2021 – 2023 and I had a few top tens. In 2024 I moved into the Kawasaki British Superteen Championship and it was a learning curve and my best result was 8th in Snetterton. In 2025 I managed to get a third at Snetterton, and a first podium in the British Superbikes support series. That season I started on the front row and had a few podium finishes throughout the season.
Q: What would you say sets you apart on the track?
I don’t believe there’s anyone of my age that has been as hard working on and off the track. I’ve been going out and getting my sponsors, and much that I have achieved to date has been off my own back. Adam and Dave Garnell started helping me lots because in 2023 my Dad had a bleed on the brain. Thankfully Dad is still with us but since then, I have had to go out and get my own sponsorship and rides.
Q: Favourite Track?
Snetterton because it’s a track I always do well at and it’s flat and I like to see where I’m going.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
To fight for the championship title. The aim is to keep progressing, stay competitive, and fight for top results consistently. I want to keep learning, keep pushing forward, and see where it takes me. Ultimately, I’d love to be challenging at the very top of the championship.
Q: What does it mean to be part of the 1PMobile National Junior Sportbike Championship?
This year the level is a lot higher than the last few years and it will be a massive achievement to win.
Q: There are two dogs on your Luca 41 Gang logo, are they part of your family and your biggest fans? If so, what are their names?
Yes they are my family, the white dog on the left is Mable, she is a fox terrier and then the other dog is our last dog and she is called Lilly and she is a Lakeland terrier.
Q: Did you know 2022 BSB champion Bradley Ray has a mascot parrot called Gertie that he brings to the circuit?
Yes I heard it on a podcast, I’ve always thought that is great and clever because dogs are not allowed at the circuit but there is nothing written to say parrots are not.
Q: Who are your biggest influences that you aspire to and why?
I am a massive Casey Stoner fan and I look up to former Moto3 World Championship rider and 2018 International Road Racing Champion Danny Webb from Kent a lot, he is a mentor that has helped me out a lot with sponsors and more.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
I do a lot of flat track, I’ve been doing it for between five and six years. I also do mountain biking and cycling completely away from training. I have a condition on my back called Ankyloosing Spondylitis and you have to be very careful with that. Racing probably isn’t the best for my back but it is what I do and love and I do activities to build up my body strength. I work for one of my sponsors, they are a diesel generator company called Target Power Generators that supplies power to many companies. I am also attending college one day a week to study media.
Q: What are you doing today?
I have booked a day off from work because I am converting my transit van into a campervan for me to stay at when I am racing.
Looking Ahead
With early success already under his belt and a strong support network behind him, Luca Hopkins is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of. Focused, driven, and grounded, he represents the next generation of British motorsport talent.
