Green light for Mark as debut approaches

A MELKSHAM man is to make his motor sport debut this weekend at Brands Hatch. 

Mark Birkett will line-up on the grid on his  Honda CBR 600 motorbike in the pre-injection class after he recently passed his ACU race licence.

His debut race season comes less than a year after he passed his road motorbike test and excitement is growing as the race gets closer.

He will compete in the 13 race series between March and September this year and he also plans to enter a newcomers’ race also at Brands Hatch.

Mark has been able to enter the   pre-injection 600 class thanks to the help of local businesses including Melksham Scaffolding, Able Motorcycle Training, Absolute Tool Hire, John Miller Garden Centre and Eye4Media.

He will also be racing with his cousin Laurence Birkett. Mark said, “I’m really pleased that both Laurence and myself passed our ACU race licence at Mallory Park. Happy to say on returning to the pits and the exam room I was informed that I had passed and now the countdown to Brands Hatch on the 14th March begins.

“As the first race gets closer it is getting really exciting. It has been an adventure getting the bike ready and getting advice and tuition. I have had lots of help from friends and also my cousin who will also be racing with me on an almost identical bike.

“It has been great to have so much help from local companies and I have had more support than I ever expected. It is not just about the money it is about the support and help given, that’s worth more than money.”

For a full list of race dates and locations visit www.ngroadracing.org/results_data/2015/diary.htm