SPEEDY rugby star Matt Horne is hanging up his boots and pulling on racing leathers ready for the motorbike racing season.

Matt, a technician at the Walker Farrimond Citroen garage at Cross Hills, is preparing for his first season taking part in the Formula 600 series.

The competition will see him pushing his Honda CBR600 machine to the limit around some of the country's top race tracks, including Mallory Park, Cadwell Park and Snetterton.

The Keighley Albion rugby player said: "I began riding bikes about nine years ago, starting out in trials and motocross, and a couple of years ago got a Honda Fireblade road bike. I went on a track day with Keighley bike dealers Colin Appleyard and was bitten by the bug."

He has received backing for his first season from Les Hobson Gas Engineers, John Weatherall at Keybury Alarms and a friend, Norman Scott, is also helping to fund the campaign.

"Without their help I would not be able to complete the season, but I'm really looking forward to our first test session next week before the season starts on March 26," said Matt.

n Matt turns out for Keighley Albion (left) and with sponsors (from left) John Weatherall of Keybury Alarms, Les Hobson of Hobson Gas Engineers, Norman Scott, Simon Woodyatt of Simon's Designs and David Scott, Norman's son.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.