A Blackburn-based firm has given its backing to a motorcycle racer to achieve his dream of riding in the sport’s most famous race.

Haydock Finance is supporting pro-racer Harley Rushton through its employee charity scheme to allow him to compete at the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix Classic TT.

Harley, 28, was inspired to take up racing by his father and grandfather, and so far in his career has won five Classic Racing 350 Twin Championships, four other National Classic Championships, and had podium finishes in several other national races.

With his sights set on the iconic TT races on the Irish Sea island, he finished top newcomer on the island’s five-mile course in the south in his first visit, and followed that with a podium finish the year after.

On Friday, August 23, he will race the world-famous Mountain Course, measuring almost 38 miles in length, for the first time, with practice and qualifying beginning next week.

Asset finance specialists Haydock, based at Greenbank Business Park, is supporting Harley in achieving his dream through its employee charity scheme, which allows its staff to nominate a charity or individual to support.

Lee Lawrence, marketing manager at Haydock, said: , "We are thrilled to be supporting Harley at this year’s Isle of Man Classic TT as he takes on the spectacular and legendary Mountain Course.

“His passion, commitment and professional approach made him a great contender for our employee charity scheme and we would like to wish him the very best in his pursuit of victory.”

Harley, from Ingleton, North Yorkshire, added: “This is my first time competing on the Mountain course, an event I have watched and supported since the age of seven.

“To know that in less than a week’s time I am going to be lining up to ride the course myself is a lifetime achievement for me in itself.

“I am obviously nervous as this is one of the biggest challenges I have set in my racing career to date, but at the same time excited to get the opportunity to race the course and experience something I have spent the majority of my life watching from the hedgerows.

“Obviously, this opportunity would not have been possible without the support of my team, family and of course sponsors such as Haydock Finance who have all come together to help me make the races.

“I am going there with the best backing and equipment so cannot thank everyone enough for their belief in me.”

The annual TT races see thousands of fans flock to the Isle of Man to see bikes fly past at high speed along the 37.73-mile loop of public roads on the island.

While the TT takes place in May and June, the Manx Grand Prix – featuring classic bikes – runs in August over the bank holiday weekend and still attracts some of the top road racers to take part.

One of Blackburn’s most famous sons, Carl Fogarty, won the TT three times, while fellow Lancastrian, Morecambe’s John McGuinness, is the third most successful rider with 23 wins, and he is expected to lineup alongside Harley for this year’s Classic TT.