OXFORDSHIRE motorcycle racer Steve Moody is looking to do even better when returning to the Isle of Man next month – five years after he last competed in the Manx Grand Prix.

The father of two, from Carterton, finished 16th in the prestigious senior race in 2009, earning himself a replica trophy.

Competitors in the event are amateurs, racing on the same 37.75-mile mountain course as the professional TT riders.

“It’s taken me two years to save up to race on the island again” he said.

“Entry fees, ferry fares and accommodation add up to several thousand pounds and that’s before you add in the cost of the bike, spares and riding kit.

“I simply couldn’t do it without the generosity of local people.”

Moody, who is also leading the EMRA pre-injection championship on his 1999 CBR600fx with eight out of eight wins, will compete in both the junior MPG and full factory senior MPG.

He added: “In 2009 my average speed was 108 mph over a race distance of 150 miles. This year my target is 115mph.

“This may not sound like much, but when you think racing is on public roads that are closed for the day, through towns and villages, reaching top speeds of 180mph over the mountain, there’s no room for error.”

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