Local team, local rider, British Superbikes!

Leon Morris, 21, from Stockbridge, has this year signed for local race team Brookspeed Moto Rapido Racing to ride a Ducati 1098R in the British Superbike Privateer cup.

Originally planning to be in the Superstock series, the team were ready to go for the season when at the last minute the officials decided the 1098R was not eligible for the class, forcing the team to move into the highest level of racing in the UK, British Super Bikes.

With only a few days notice of the class change, the team have had to run the bike in Superstock trim for the first few meetings while vital parts are being made and shipped from the Italian factory.

With Leon riding against fully prepared superbikes on what is basically a road bike, he amazingly finished third in just the second round at Oulton Park.

After crashing in spectacular style in qualifying, Leon came from right at the back of the grid to not only finish on the podium but also win the Airwaves rider award for the weekend!

With the massive jump to the premier class the team is currently seeking sponsorship for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, several packages are available and anybody interested should email wilf@motorapido.co.uk.

The 1098R is built and developed by Winchester Ducati specialists, Moto Rapido, where it is on display between races.

You can keep up to speed on the Leon's progress at motorapidoracing. com. The next round is Donnington Park GP, this weekend.