DUNNINGTON racer Matthew Doughty is putting his free time to good use as he attempts to complete a motor-cycling double.

Doughty, 23, is currently chasing success on two fronts in the New Era MCC Formula 400 championships, but a mid-season break in action has given him the chance to work on his Empella bike ahead of the big run-in, starting at Pembrey on June 28/29.

With a substantial lead in the Club Championship and fourth spot in the more prestigious Super Club Championship, Doughty is determined to finish among the honours.

"I set out at the start of the season to win the Super Club, so I will have to now step things up," Doughty told the Evening Press. "I see myself as a better rider than the guy leading, but he has been more consistent and built up a reasonable lead.

"However, things are really starting to come together now just at the right time.

"We don't race again until the end of this month so I have got a bit of time to get my bike into top working condition again."

Doughty only entered the lesser Club Championship, in which he finished third last season, to build up some race time ahead of the main competition - and now finds himself in with a good shout of winning both.

"The only reason I entered the Club Championship was because they started racing earlier than the Super Club, so I was going to use the races as a warm-up," he added. "However, I have ended up leading it now and I don't really want to give that up."

Doughty is currently looking for sponsors to back his bid, with anyone interested asked to contact him on 07919 020874.

Updated: 09:23 Wednesday, June 11, 2003