A LOCAL man has begun his first season in motorbike racing after discovering a love for riding less than a year ago.
Mark Birkett, 45, is currently placed 10th out of 25 in the NG Road Racing 700 Pre-Injection Championship, after just four races.
His fourth race was at Castle Combe last month, and he is determined to improve quickly.
Mark said, “My race at Castle Combe went better than hoped, as I got some tuition from one of the circuit’s instructors on a track day. His advice on lines, corners, and braking points was very helpful. I’m still off the pace looking at the fast guys, but in my first season I’m enjoying it and improving with every lap and race.
“Since passing my full bike test 12 months ago with Able Motorcycling School, I have loved riding so much I had the urge to start racing.
“Next up is another local race at Thruxton on the 25th and 26th July, then off to Wales to race in Anglesey and Pembery.
“The key to improving is track time and tuition but the professional tuition is expensive so I am trying to secure some further sponsorship to help next year. The team at Castle Combe have been great with advice and help on track days. My cousin Loz Birkett and Mark Able have also been able to advise me as they have all raced in the past, and Loz races alongside me in the same class.”
Mark lives in Melksham with his wife and two daughters, and is the director of a local IT and telecoms company.
He continued, “I raced in the Castle Combe Saloon Car Championship 15 years ago but have not competed in anything since, having started a business and becoming a family man.
“After passing my test I joined local club North Gloucester Road Racing. I ride a Honda CBR 600 F3 and reach racing speeds of up to 135mph.
“I am 10th in the championship after four races, which I feel is an achievement in itself. The guy ahead of me in the championship is just a few seconds ahead – I hope to catch him before the end of the season!
“I have had some great help from sponsors including John Miller Garden Machinery, who have supplied all my oils and lubricants, Skippers Pet Foods who have sponsored my tyres, and Babestation.”
Mark races in the N G Road Racing 700cc pre-injection category, which requires bikes to be pre-2001 and not fuel injected.
