IT WAS 23 years ago when this 26-year-old from Morecambe first dared to dream of being British motorbiking champion.

And John McGuinness is not alone in thinking this could just be the year when he achieves that dream as the new season kick starts its way into high gear.

One of the favourites for the 250cc championship he has already secured the backing of a major Morecambe sponsor - House of Anderson - who are proud to support their local man.

For his part John, 26 this week, is just pleased to accept any help he can as he prepares another attempt to fulfil his lifetime's ambition.

"It was my dad who influenced me," he remembers. "He put me on a bike when I was just about three not that I can remember too much about it mind! I've always loved bikes. I can't imagine ever not being involved with them. They've just become part of my life."

It was that kind of ambition and dedication that last season led John to ride on in one race with a very badly hurt hand that would have sent most of us straight to the hospital. John just laughs at the memory as he shows off the wound.

This season he started on a real high when he became the first Briton ever to win the Daytona GP in Florida. In his first two 250cc races for the championship this year he has ridden in second.

He has ridden four seasons in the championship races before on is hugely impressive (and expensive) bike. But this year, riding for Paul Bird Honda Team Vimto, he has been installed as a firm favourite - not leased because he has learned so much in those four years.

Director of House of Anderson, Ben Benson, explained why his firm couldn't believe they were the only serious major local sponsors of John. He said: I follow racing very closely and let me tell you this lad is the business. I'm absolutely amazed he's not a huge star in his home town especially. I'm even more amazed he's not attracting a lot of sponsorship from his own people. Besides local pride in our local lad the publicity he's going to generate will be enormous."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.