A RACING motorcyclist hopes to burn up the tyres this year in a bid to clinch a hat trick of championship trophies.

Eddie Whitehurst, born in Goostrey, has been a biker since he got his licence while at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School.

Now he rides a powerful Kawasaki 600 cc machine with a top speed of 165 mph a big change from the Honda Cub he rode to school at 40 mph.

The 44-year-old builder has only been racing since his mid 30s and has ridden to victory on tracks like Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Donnington Park - winning the Streetstock Championship with North Gloucester Racing Club in 2014 and 2016.

"I have been riding a motorcycle since I was 16, " said Eddie. "I soon found I was too fast to be a novice so started to race and won my first championship within two years."

Eddie's biggest fans are wife, Emma, who travels with him in their caravan from home in Wilmslow to the weekend race days at major tracks throughout the country, and his mum and dad, David and Pauline in Goostrey.

He is preparing to enter the competition again to win the trophy a third time after the pandemic put a stop to all racing in the past year.

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Eddie in front of the riders at Donnington

Eddie in front of the riders at Donnington

Eddie in front of the riders at Donnington

His last successful outing was at Cadwell Park in 2019 when he was among the top three in his class and has spent his time since rebuilding and tuning the bike ready for the new season from mid-April when restrictions are expected to be lifted.

But it could be his swan song unless he can secure more sponsorship towards funding a sport that can cost up to £1,000 alone on tyres for a weekend's racing.

"This could be my last season because of the big expense involved in racing," said Eddie." "As well as entry fees, I can use up to three sets of tyres over a weekend costing £350 a pair."

His building firm, family and friends are the main sponsors but as more races will be televised this year Eddie hopes to attract more backing.

Eddie, holding one of the trophies, with wife, Emma and brothers Charlie (left) and Andrew (right)

Eddie, holding one of the trophies, with wife, Emma and brothers Charlie (left) and Andrew (right)

Eddie, holding one of the trophies, with wife, Emma and brothers Charlie (left) and Andrew (right)

Eddie said: "Our programme of races is a full season with North Gloucester Racing Club visiting most great tracks in the country like Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Donnington Park and also the very popular Oliver’s Mount where two of the rounds are televised."

A donation of £63 will put the sponsor's name on the rear of the bike and monthly updates on how Eddie is progressing and £163 will ensure an individual's or company name on the side of the bike and in the race programme as an event sponsor.

To sponsor Eddie visit gofundme.com/eaw-racing