A MOTOR racing hero who hails from Burnley is to be admitted into the motorsports Hall of Fame in Michigan USA for his daredevil achievements on the track.

Brian Redman, 66, is being honoured for his performances during a career that spans more than 40 years.

The hall of fame honours heroes from nine motor sports categories. They include Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932, Malcolm Campbell, who broke six land speed records between 1928 and 1935 in the USA and Colin Chapman, the Briton who introduced current Formula One technology to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Speaking from his home in Vero Beach, Florida, Brian said: "It's very nice I guess. They do a bronze bust of you and it is put on a pedestal, so that will be nice to see." Brian was four times a member of the world manufacturers championship-winning teams, for Ford, Porsche (twice) and Ferrari. He will join motor racing greats such as Fred Duesenburg, Eddie Rickenbacker and Louis Meyer.

Brian left the family's grocery business in 1967 to pursue his passion - high-speed thrills. Redman and Company had almost 100 shops throughout Burnley, Blackburn and the rest of Lancashire. He still has family living in Gargrave in North Yorkshire.

Brian, who is still racing, added, "I have been very lucky. I've had a few bad crashes, but nothing has stopped me."

Those bad crashes include breaking bones in Belgium, Canada and Germany. His smash in Canada in 1977 left him with a broken neck, shoulder, ribs and breastbone. After the 170mph collision Brian was fitted with steel rods in his forearms.

During his chequered career Brian has driven Formula 1 cars for Williams, McLaren and Cooper, finishing third at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1968.

He also had a two-year stint with the Queen's East Lancashire Regiment at Fulwood Barracks near Preston where he became the commanding officer's driver.

But his real passion is bikes and enjoyed most of his success on two wheels. He won four US superbike championships, regularly beating American favourites Mario Andretti and Al Unser.

The ceremony on June 12 will be an emotional day for Brian, whose brother Christopher still lives in Burnley, but it is not something he is worried about.

"I will go, see my bust, then get back to what I love doing the most - racing. I don't think I will ever retire."