MOTORBIKE racer Scott Dootson is hoping to challenge two big names of his sport this season after the first race win of his career.

The 26-year-old Bolton rider won the second round in a series of 10 held over the summer, beating Shane Norval and Hudson Kennaugh in the ACU National 50cc Championship Race at the Three Sisters race circuit in Wigan.

It was a big contrast to his first-round fortunes where he did not finish because of problems with his bike.

His confidence boosted by getting the better of Norval and Kennaugh, the Egerton racer is looking to build on it by challenging them for the title this season.

"This is the first national race I’ve ever won in the two years I’ve been racing," said Dootson, who is sponsored by Newave Heating and Dental Air Compressors, and whose dad, David, built and maintains his bike.

"I’m usually second or third, so to finally get that first win is a great feeling.

"Hopefully I can go on from here and continue to race well this season."

The sport sees riders race up to speeds of 100mph on 50cc machines.

"There are 10 races in all, all over the UK," said Scott.

"This was the second round. In the previous round I did not finish because something failed with the bike and Shane won.

"Shane and Hudson are two quality big-name riders. Shane is associated with Moto GP and Hudson with British Superbikes.

"To beat those two is a big thing for me. We didn’t make things easy for ourselves after issues in qualifying meant we started dead last on the grid.

"I battled through 22 riders to get up to third on the first lap and took the lead on the second lap.

"We are chuffed because we beat those two good riders. Shane is a Moto GP entrant and Hudson a 1000cc British Superstock champion."

He paid tribute to his dad for helping him get the win.

"He built an amazing bike which improves every time I sit on it.

"He does everything with my bike and I would be lost without him."

The next round is on Sunday, June 24 at Lydden Hill in Kent.