JUST two weeks before the start of the British Motor Cycle Racing Club (BMCRC) Clubman 400 motorbike championship, disaster struck for one rider.

Postman Sean Clarke had to sit out the opening rounds at Brands Hatch last weekend after becoming the victim of a hit-and-run.

The 38-year-old, who was left unconscious in the middle of Cockmannings Road, Chelsfield, on February 24, suffered two broken bones in his face but he is hoping to be fit enough to race when the championship stops off at Snetterton on March 25.

Sean, of Zelah Road, Orpington, said: "I was gutted not to be racing at Brands Hatch especially when I watched the rest of the team go.

"It was made worse because people told me I could have been up for a podium finish as the guy I battled with last year took second and third and my normal times would have got me up there so it was a case of yeah, thanks for telling me."

He added: "I am looking forward to Snetterton. I have been going to the gym everyday for the past week and a half to try battling to get my fitness back and it is going quite well."

While Sean was left on the sidelines his 38-year-old teammate at Map (middle-aged parents) Racing, Paul Hinton, made his debut in the Superbike 400 Series.

Sean, who rides a Kawasaki ZXR 400cc bike, said: "Paul was hit quite hard by first race nerves as he was sick before the first race.

"The Superbike class is a lot more competitive as the top guys have the cash and they turn up with huge marquees and support crews.

"When they start unloading hundreds of spares from their lorries it is quite daunting."

Sean added: "But Paul did well. There was almost a full grid of 36 runners and his best was 23rd which was only four seconds off the top spot.

"He has made a jump in class similar to a League One footballer going straight into the Premiership and it has been a bit of a shock.

"As time goes Paul will improve. He is quicker than me because he probably has no brain and does not get scared at the corners.

"Hopefully by the end of the year he will be getting top 10s again."

Having missed out on the opening rounds Sean, who spent around £6,000 last season riding the dream, needs to play catch up and needs to do it quickly.

"I am on the back-foot straight away and so I have got to really raise my game.

"I need to use the track days at Snetterton not only to get used to riding again but also to make sure there is nothing wrong with the bike."

He said: "The bike is all ready to go but until you get out there you don't know what needs changing."

For more details on the championships or to sponsor the team, visit bemsee.co.uk or map-racing.co.uk