Top Gear's James May will be at Thundersprint

Car presenter and avid biker will be at this year's event

THE ANNUAL Thundersprint attracts many stars and celebrities but there are none more popular than the relaxed and charming James May, co-presenter of the BBC's Top Gear programme.

Although an expert on cars, and renowned for his hilariously laconic assessments of all that's new in the world of four wheels, James is a dedicated bike fan and rates the Thundersprint as one of his favourite events of the year.

Having competed in two previous Thundersprints on a classic Moto Guzzi California, James has gone "Japanese" for 2007 with a mighty 1964, 87cc Honda producing a breathtaking 6.5 bhp. James will line up with six times World Champion Jim Redman and British Superbike Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari in the Masterclass

James said: 'When I crest Castle Hill in Northwich in my borrowed van, and see the town spread out below me like Camelot, I will know that my faithful charger, the 87cc Honda C200, has arrived at its spiritual home."

Asked about his racing achievements on the mighty Honda James listed doing 45mph on the A4 and changing the oil.

Truly,"Mad Dog May", as James likes to be known when he is racing, will bring a very special presence to the Thundersprint start line.