DROITWICH motorcyclist Andy Barwell is back where he belongs after ten-years out in the roadracing wilderness.

The 34-year-old pipefitter was forced to hang up his racing leathers when financial circumstances made it impossible for him to compete at the level required to further his racing career.

But after making a tentative comeback in 1998 with a handful of roadstock outings, he was back into the limelight when he helped out Mark Vernon and Mark Garside in the final round of the British Endurance Championship in 1999.

His ride on the team's R1 Yamaha convinced Barwell where his future lies and he went on to finish third in the East Midland Racing Association series.

And now, with the new season fast approaching, Barwell is looking for extra sponsorship so he can have a crack at the 11-round MRO National Championship, held at every major circuit in the UK, as well as another stab at the EMRA championship at Mallory Park.

The EMRA meetings include the Drayton Croft Mallory Trophy which Andy is expected to be one of the favourites.

Andy said: "I'm hoping to make a serious challenge for these titles because I now know I have equal machinery to my rivals. There is a clash of dates during the season and when the time comes a decision will be made as to which championship takes priority. I would like to follow the MRO national series but if the money is available it will be another year racing the EMRA."

Finance permitting, Andy hopes to include some National Cup meetings but the standard of competition is tougher, because many of the riders have been, or still are, regular competitors in the British Superbike Championship.

Andy is backed by Droitwich-based CJ Motorcycles but extra sponsorship is crucial to his continued progress. If you can help contact him on 07074 772024.