AFTER a difficult 2003 season, North-East based TABOO Motorsport have made some comprehensive changes to their operations and management for 2004.

To address problems in receiving technical support throughout last year, team owner and rider Michael Hill, from Stockton, has secured the help of Mark Hodgson, father of world Superbike champion Neil Hodgson, who will be responsible for the preparation and setting up of Hill's race machines.

Hill has also secured a number of lucrative sponsorship deals, including Garibaldi Leathers (Spain), Lazer Helmets, Daytona Boots, Ipone Lubricants, NGK and Dunlop Tyres, Held Gloves, Frank Thomas Ltd and Knox.

Major players such as Guyson International, whose links to motor sport span 50 years, will also provide financial support to TABOO Motorsport for their full scale challenge in the 125cc British Championship.

Hill also aims to contest several rounds of the Spanish 125cc Championship as well as the New Era 125cc Superclub series. He will also be involved in numerous promotional events organised by the Riders for Health charity, including the British GP and the European GP in Valencia, Spain.

With a new colour scheme, the company have also announced the launch of their 2004 supporters club, with merchandise available at discount prices. Details of this and regular updates of other happenings can be found on their web site, www.taboomotorsport.co.uk

* Darlington road racer Jonathan Harrison's final preparations for the 2004 season very nearly ended in disaster on a recent test at Elvington, near York.

The Leah Racing Supersport 600cc rider was having his first ride on the ex-James Brackenbury 1999 Yamaha R6. Despite not having any wet weather tyres, Harrison made his way on to the circuit to take in a few steady laps.

He immediately looked at home on the bike in the treacherous conditions. But, as he rounded the hairpin after half a dozen laps, both tyres let go at the same time and Harrison took a small tumble.

After regaining his feet, a quick survey of the bike revealed that the only damage was a broken front brake lever.

Undeterred, Harrison ventured out for the second session. The track was by now much dryer and Harrison was one of the fastest, looking smooth and confident.

However, he suffered more misfortune in the final session when he was struck by a wayward pheasant at about 140mph on the main straight. The bird smashed through Harrison's screen and struck him on the left side of his body as he somehow brought the machine under control.

Initial fears that he may have broken his arm proved unfounded after he was checked over by the medical staff and the diagnosis was a very severe wrenching of the shoulder socket. Despite the premature end to the day, Harrison is happy with the first impressions of the bike and is looking forward to his second test of the year this weekend.

l British Superbike Championship officials have announced that Croft will host round ten of the 13-round series from August 13-15.

Provisional dates. - Mar 26-28: Silverstone; Apr 10-12: Brands Hatch; Apr 23-25: Snetterton; May 1-3: Oulton Park; May 21-23: Mondello Park; Jun 4-6: Thruxton; Jun 18-20: Brands Hatch; Jul 2-4: Knockhill; Jul 16-18: Mallory Park; Aug 13-15: Croft; Aug 28-30: Cadwell Park; Sep 10-12: Oulton Park; Sep 17-19: Donington Pk.

l A report on the Malcolm Wilson Rally will appear next week.