MOTORCYCLING: Maybe 33 years of age is not the ideal time to start motorcycle racing, but Ian Wood, of Kendal (pictured above) is about to realise a dream.

After a long absence from riding a bike he bought a new Ducati 749 road bike in 2004, but last year he rode very little on the road, instead preferring to take his pride and joy to track days to learn the circuits that he dreamed of one day racing around.

As a member of the Ducati Sporting Club, Ian found he was eligible for the Desmo Due series for novice Ducati racers and the purchase of a race bike soon followed.

Bike preparation is well under way with the help of Graham Dacre of Midac Body Repair Centre and former British Championship rider Paul Ainsworth. A sponsor for paddock clothing has been secured and Mark Perie, of Budget Tyres, Longpool, has also offered his assistance.

Ian will campaign a Ducati 600ss against bikes that are almost identical in all aspects, so that racing relies on the skill of the rider.

The eight-round championship starts at Brands Hatch on April 14/15 but the highlight will be at Assen, the Dutch TT circuit in June where around 12,000 spectators are expected.

Potential sponsors can contact Ian via his website: www.dseered.co.uk