A MOTORCYCLIST who took to the racing circuit late in life is leaving competitors in his slipstream with 25 race wins this season.

Peter Wilson, 36, of Barnard Castle has been racing for only four years, and this season has been competing for five Auto 66 Club championships at Carnaby Raceway, Elvington Park and Oliver's Mount at Scarborough.

He has already won the Earl of Elvington, Count of Carnaby and 1300 Open titles and, with the pro-stocks championships and the Clubman's Masters still to come, he is in the lead and well on course to become overall champion of the region.

Wilson, a quarry worker for Enstone Breedon, races a 2002 Suzuki GSXR 1000, for which he has paid out £3,500 for tyres this year alone.

He is currently sponsored by the Golden Lion Inn and Castle Wine Bar in Barnard Castle, but is hoping to find a major sponsor so that he can replace his bike with a newer model next year.

"I am very grateful to my sponsors, but racing is a very expensive business," he told the D&S Times.

"A new bike will cost about £8,000, with around £5,000 needed to get it ready for racing."

He is also seeking help with the provision of leathers, helmets, gloves and boots, as well as someone to help him with the bike at weekends.

If a major sponsor can be found, Wilson hopes to compete in selected new era power bike rounds.

"My aim is to get up to the level just under British Superbikes," he added.

Anyone wanting to offer sponsorship can telephone Mr Wilson on 01833 630715 or 07774929592.