Bradford’s David Brook admits that motorcycling is a drug – but he needs a financial injection to feed his habit.

Despite having to scrape funds together, the 27-year-old from Clayton Heights is in second place after three rounds of the Motodex Per-formance First Pre-National 600.

He won two races in the opening round at Brands Hatch in early March but since then has largely had to play second fiddle to James Shaw, who has made a successful transition from British moto-cross.

Shaw is remarkably consistent, having been on the podium every time he has finished, with seven wins, two seconds and two thirds, while Brook has had four runners-up berths, two thirds and a sixth.

Although Brook, who is 75 points (three race wins) adrift of Shaw, would love to be closer to his rival, the season is only a third gone and the fourth round is this weekend at Brook’s favourite circuit – Cadwell Park.

“This is only one step down from the British Superbike Championship,” said Brook, “and I am convinced that, with proper backing, I can win the championship.

“I am the only true rookie in the top ten as the other riders have more experience, having dropped down from British Superbike or, in the case of Shaw, from British moto-cross.”

Brook, who is not only inv-olved with bikes as a hobby but also as a job via Brook Suspension – which is based on Thornton Road Industrial Estate – gets little help.

“I get free oil from Motul but not much else,” said Brook. “Motorcycle racing is an expensive sport but I’ve worked very hard over the last seven years setting up my business.

“Specialising in motorcycle suspension has allowed me to buy, build and develop my bike and accrue all the necessary kit, contacts and suppliers but I am still operating on the smallest most cost-effective budget possible.

“Every penny I earn pretty much goes on the equipment and the bike so I can go racing, and I can’t maintain this level of investment on my own for much longer.

“Any financial help through sponsorship is always appreciated and hopefully will be shown through various activities and events that sponsors can enjoy, along with their friends and clients.”

Brook did his first track day in September 2009 at Oulton Park but cost meant that he could seldom afford the £100-£150 needed, despite realising that he could hold his own.

By the middle of 2010, however, some developments at work had enabled him to move to the front of the fast group at track days, and by the end of the year he was taking part with Thundersport GB in the Superstock 600 class – the most competitive GB class outside British Superbikes.

Injury robbed Brook of the 2011 and 2012 seasons but he is sure he is now fast enough and wise enough to challenge for the Pre-National 600 title.

Despite only competing in four of the nine meetings last year, he still finished 15th out of 54 overall.

Sponsorship packages can vary from as little as £20 per meeting to cover generator fuel all the way up to £1,000 plus VAT per meeting for a full-title sponsorship.

Brook’s own investment for a full season is estimated at £36,000 plus VAT.

Anyone who can help should telephone him on 07985-654078, e-mail him at david@brooksuspension.co.uk or contact him via Facebook.