To describe Doug Lloyd as a man in a hurry would be an understatement. Regularly reaching speeds of 150mph and tearing round corners as if they were not there, the Barnet man is hoping to make a big impression on the world of motorbike racing and fast.

Doug, of Whitings Road, currently races in the nationwide Supersport 400 series, and after a promising early start to the season, lies second in the championship table.

However, not content with his recent successes on tracks including Brands Hatch, Doug has targeted the televised MRO series as the next stage to showcase his obvious talents.

"The top of the tree in England is the British Superbike Championship and one level down from that you have MRO. I race against people who are in MRO, so basically I know what the standard is like," explained Doug.

"You can work your way through all the stages to get near enough to the top. I want to get in MRO and I know I'm good enough to compete, but you need cash to do it."

Doug currently races a 400cc Kawasaki 2XR and estimates the season will cost him and his team-mate John Rampling £5,000 just to keep the bike running.

He added: "Some of the guys I am up against have budgets between £15,000 and £20,000, so when you think about it, we're doing pretty well."

In fact, the 38-year-old is doing so well that he does not even notice how fast he is going. "You can do speeds up to 150mph in the straights at Snetterton racetrack in Norfolk and, although it's quite exhilarating going round corners, you don't notice it because you're not going past houses or lampposts.

"It is not always about speed though, as on some tracks the 400cc bikes lap quicker than the 600ccs. It just depends on the number of corners and the skill of the rider."

Although Doug is not as young as some of his competitors (he counts Barry Sheene as his idol rather than Carl Fogarty), he maintains that age is no barrier to success at the highest level.

"Steve Hislop is in his early 40s and he is one of the best Superbike riders around, so if you're good enough, it doesn't matter how old you are."

Doug is currently looking for sponsors. Anyone who is willing to help is asked to call him on 07951 024503.

April 29, 2003 11:31