GREAT Harwood sidecar racer Dave Holden is aiming for success in Sunday’s Hoghton Tower Sprint after making a winning start to an incredible 34th season in the sport.

Holden claimed the Aintree Sidecar Championship for the 11th time in his career last year on his comeback after sustaining horror injuries in a crash in 2009 – when he broke his shoulder, hip, four ribs and small bone in his back, as well puncturing both lungs.

But the 64-year-old has no intention of retiring just yet and secured victory in all three races at the Wirral 100 Motor Club Championship’s meeting at Anglesey at the weekend.

Holden was racing alongside passenger Heath Fairbrother and is hoping to secure the Wirral 100 Championship as well as yet another Aintree title during 2012.

But first he will take part in the Hoghton Tower Sprint on Sunday – an event that welcomes a host of local competitors every year.

The sprint sees motorcycles and sidecars of all ages – vintage, classic and modern – accelerating up the eighth of a mile driveway at Hoghton Tower.

“There’s no pressure on me this weekend,” said Holden, as he takes a break from championship duties. “It’s a good day out and I like seeing all the classic bikes.

“It’s nice to be part of a local event, and I hope I finish quickest.”

Holden claimed the British Sidecar Championship in 1990 and has taken pride from former passenger Ben Birchall going on to win the world title as a driver.

He continues to stave off competition from rivals several decades his junior.

“I like beating the young ’uns!” he laughed. “I think there is a lot of respect, because with some of these lads I raced with their dads!

“I am proud to have raced for so long and I’m just happy to be living too, because I’ve had some scary moments.

“But it’s a big part of my life. I love the competitiveness of it.”

Gates open at 9.30am on Sunday, with racing starting at 12.30pm.

Admission costs £8, with children gaining free entry with an adult.