Garness heads MLav VisionTrack 2023 BTC lineup

Reigning BTC Champion Johnny Garness will spearhead the four-rider MLav VisionTrack Academy attack for 2023.

The 14-year-old will be back to defend his crown in the Honda British Talent Cup after a dominant run in 2022 which saw him achieve 12 victories before clinching the title with a round to go.

The coming season, which kicks off at Silverstone in early April, sees the champ joined by last year’s teammate 13-year-old Daniel Goodman alongside new additions 14-year-old American Eli Banish and 15-year-old Irishman Josh O’Brien.

“I am pleased to be riding with Michael Laverty VisionTrack Academy in 2023 because it gives me a stable platform on which to build a successful defence of my championship,” Garness said on Wednesday.

“The bike was perfect in both championships last year and didn’t miss a beat. This gives me the confidence to really push the limits.

“2023 will be very important for me and the academy as they will provide me with all the skills and training I need to improve as a rider. Coaching by people like Charlie Nesbit, John McPhee and Michael Laverty himself will elevate my riding standards to the level required by the JuniorGP and MotoGP.”

Of the new recruits, Banish already has experience from both flat track and short circuit racing. The Kentucky rider’s first taste of success came in 2017’s AMA Dirt Track Grand Nationals before a transition to road racing the following year while his recent BTC wildcards saw him gain a highest placing of 12th. O’Brien concluded 2021 fifth in the inaugural FIM MiniGP World Series after a strong performance during the Valencia final. A podium in the opening race followed by two top six finishes secured the Kildare rider both top five honours and the highest placed of his