Steve Hix tops the ACU Clubman’s championship points’ table going into the third round of the series, part of the Derby Phoenix club’s meeting at Donington Park on May 26 and 27.
The 38-year-old transport manager from Holbeach, Lincolnshire, riding an ageing 2005-model Suzuki 1000, has notched up 133 points, including four wins in the opening six races of the competition.
Trailing him by just 19 points, though, is Kingsley Ruddy, the 18-year-old from Hoyland, near Barnsley, also riding a Suzuki 1000.
Ruddy, the 2010 Derby Phoenix club Formula 400 champion and runner-up in the club’s 2011 Formula 600 series only switched to the big bike this season and Donington will be his third meeting.
Local hero Darren Bellworthy makes a surprise return to road racing at the event. The 28-year-old from Mackworth quit the sport, midway through last year, to concentrate on his new car-spraying business.
An injury to Lee Wilson, has given Bellworthy an opportunity to make this unexpected outing on his friend’s Suzuki 1000.
Bellworthy, seven-times a Derby Phoenix club champion, including three Allcomers titles, could make life difficult for Hix and Ruddy.
Geoff Lapworth, a BSB regular is another topliner boosting a very competitive line up.
The two day meeting has a 31-race programme.
Practice on Saturday starts at 9am, with racing underway shortly after 11am.
There will be short practice session at 9am on Sunday, with racing starting at 9.20am.