BIKE racer Adrian Wilkinson missed out on a trophy in the inugural Thundersp-ort500 meeting – and he wasn’t bothered in slightest!

For Wilkinson, who the brains behind the all-new series, was just happy to see the Mallory Park paddock bursting at the seams with 500cc twin motorbikes.

“It was a fantastic sight, every other bike in the there was a Honda CB500!” said Wilkinson, who lives in Colne.

Wilkinson and a group of fellow racers launched the budget series late last year. Designed for cheap 500cc machines such as the Honda CB500 and Suzuki GS500, it runs as part of the hugely-popular Thundersport GB championship.

“We knew that the Thundersports 500 was going to popular, but when 46 turned up at Mallory for the first race of the season it was just brilliant,” added Wilkinson.

“The organisers Dave Stewart and Richard Day had to run three races a day over the weekend to accommodate all these budget machines and to allow each rider to get their races in.

“But this worked a treat to all the Thundersport-500 riders as we get to watch a race with our peers in it. And the sound from a 28-strong pack of bikes entering Gerrards, a very fast 180-deg right-hander, was awesome.”

But the popularity of Thundersport500 didn’t do Wilkinson (pictured) any favours personally.

“The series has taken off so well that it’s got retired racers off the grandstands to start riding again, so there's not much hope for me this year!” he joked.

“My highest placing was 19th, and championship points only go down to 15th.

“I just missed a podium and a nice shiny trophy, but I’m not bothered at all. For me, it’s the taking part. All I can say is roll on Cadwell in two weeks.”

l Action from the Thundersports GB races can be seen on Motors TV tonight at 10pm, repeated on Sunday at 6pm.

The next round takes place at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire on Bank Holiday weekend April 11-13. For details, visit www.thundersportgb.co.uk