Motorbike ace Glenn Kirk knows all about mixed fortunes in racing - both on and off the track.

The Hailsham-based 20-year-old has landed himself a place among the elite of young riders in the British Junior Supersport Championship this season but that is just the beginning of the battle as he tries to get himself noticed despite having to work to a tight budget as a privateer.

Glenn, a builder, said: "It is unbelievable how much it costs to compete. Most of us competing in the series are privateers but there are works teams as well as a few riders from the Powerbike Championships last year."

He added: "For works riders all they have to concentrate on is their riding and practice.

"For myself it is a case of trying to juggle work, racing and the finances."

Once he is on the track, Glenn hopes his wealth of talent will get him noticed and lead to his own works ride Glenn, who is racing a Suzuki GSXR600, said: "It is down to rider ability as there is very little between the bikes in this series. Riders cannot just take others down the straights, there is more to it than that."

Lack of funds restricted Glenn last season when he missed eight meetings but still finished 11th in the BEMSEE Supersport 600 class and MRO Championship.

This season he kicked off the campaign with an eighth place in the first round at Donington, despite having to contend with problems with the set-up of the bike's suspension.

Last weekend he was at Silverstone for the second round of the British Supersport series, which attracted a big crowd.

This time there were no points for Glenn after he qualified tenth on the grid and moved up to sixth off the line before his race was ended prematurely when he got caught up with two other bikes in the closing laps and all three riders came off.

The next outing for Glenn is at Snetterton in Norfolk on May 7 and he is looking forward to it.

He said: "I have high hopes for this meeting as I have done well there before.

"I am confident around Snetterton. It is a fast track and you have to be fairly committed which suits me."

Managed by father Terry, who runs PDM Racing, and sponsored by London and Southern Securities, Glenn is still in search of further financial support. Anyone interested in backing Glenn should contact Terry on 0411 034800.