Addingham motorcycle road racer Mark Dale is seeking sponsorship to enable him to compete at the highest level of his sport - in the British Championship.

Mark, 29, has won both the Auto 66 Club's Clubman's Challenge and Clubman's Challenge and Clubman's Cup.

He was presented with two trophies at the Doncaster Exhibition Centre recently.

Riding his Coffecare backed Honda RS125 he won seven out of eight races at Elvington (York) and had one win and two seconds at Three Sisters (Wigan).

For 1999 Mark hopes to raise enough funds to race in more national events such as the Gold Cup at Scarborough in which he came fifth this year.

At one stage in the Gold Cup he held third place behind Chris Palmer (1998 British champion) and Ian Lougher (runner-up and Isle of Man TT winner).

Mark said: 'I am hoping to get enough sponsorship money to help me either improve or replace my present bike so that I can compete in the British Championships..

Mark is grateful to his current backers - John Brumfitt of Coffeecare, Skipton; Charlie King, plumber of Ilkley; The Crown Inn, Addingham; and Signs Direct, Shipley; for their support.

Mark started his racing career in 1991 on 1989 RS 125 and his first full season came in 1992 when he won three races.

In 1993 he competed in the Auto 66 Club 125 GP Clubman's Challenge Championship winning 13 races and taking 16 sconds but when he lost a tuner barrel - which had to be sent to Holland to be re-plated - he dropped back to second place in the championship and was unable to regain the lead.

Due to financial problems Mark only raced in two events in 1994 as he battled to save money to compete in the 1995 season.

In 1995 he again competed in the Auto 66 125 GP Clubman's Challenge which he won and he also took third place in the Clubman's Cup winning 11 races on the way.

Mark also entered the British Championship Round at Donnington Park but was unable to qualify as he only had a six year old bike.

Mark finished second in both the Auto 66 Club Championship and he raced in ther Steven Henshaw Gold Cup at Oliover's Mounty finishing 19th and 15th against top national riders.

l If anyone would like to help Mark with sponsorship they can contact him on 01943 831478.

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