Support will help Mike make the grid

Mike Norbury of Astley has already enjoyed an impressive start to his racing career, but the 20-year-old is hoping he can improve with the help of sponsorship.

The apprentice motorcycle mechanic started-up last April with Preston and District Motorcycle club and has since been turning heads with his talent.

“I’m going to try and win as many races as possible in 2015,” he said.

“This year is about progressing and learning more skills.”

Norbury’s talent demands a more intense season – which means his costs won’t be met by the two-job 60-hour weeks he has put in to fund his passion.

“I saved up for a Honda VFR400 bike and in my first race I managed fourth in the Formula 400 class on a wet day with dry road tyres,” he explained.

“I couldn’t afford wets at the time.”

Despite not having as deep pockets as his rivals, Norbury improved enough each round to win the Formula 400 championship.

He also fared well in the Newcomers Championship, pushing close to the front despite being down on paper, racing his 400 against 600cc machines.

But his talent didn’t go unnoticed.

Norbury explained: “Then popular Isle of Man TT racer Rob Barber and ACU coach saw my potential and let me borrow one of his 600 machines.

“I went onto win every race on the 600cc bike and won my first ever wet race by 22 seconds. This meant I finished third in the newcomers championship. I also entered the Forgotten Era championship on my 400cc machine.

“ After missing the first two rounds I went onto win every race breaking the lap record twice along the way. I won the Forgotten era championship and also got the Rider of the Day Award two meetings in a row which has never been done before.”

The young star now wants to improve by taking on as many races as possible next season, using both 400 and 600cc bikes.

His first race meeting will be Anglesey starting on the weekend of March 28.

Norbury is hoping for support to help him meet the £120 race fees and costs such as tyre replacement (a set can cost £300).

And individual supporters can pledge £25 to have their name included on a board in the paddock and receive updates from every race.

There will also be a raffle which will include a prize of tickets to watch British Superbikes at Oulton Park.

Norbury, who has loved bikes since the age of four, added: “Next year I will be trying the odd Thundersport GB round which are televised and one step down from the British championships.”

To find out more visit: www.facebook.com/norburyracing or www.gofundme.com/js3igk.