Dave Hughes is a competitor in this years Hornet Cup.
Not only that, he's agreed to share some of the ups and downs of the racing with The Hornet's Nest.
Hometown: Stafford Date of Birth: 31st July 1971 Occupation: Service engineer Dave Hughes began road racing in 1994, on Classic Grand Prix machines such as the 50cc Kreidler. During his first full season he achieved his first win on a 50cc in a 125cc race at Ty Croes in Wales, the same year he was also awarded the Classic Racing Club's *Novice of the Year*. Dave went on to claim 3rd, two years running, in the Classic Club's 200cc championship again on a 50cc machine, competing against many other larger capacity bikes. Over the 1998 season he raced in the British 80cc, finishing 4th in the championship. 1999 sees him move up to the Honda Hornet Cup. His main sponsor being Mainline Haulage of Willenhall with help from 'Team 3 till 3' the British Superbike contenders and others listed below. It may seem a big jump from 80cc to 600cc, however, Dave feels comfortable on the Hornet. 
Feast your eyes on his tackle... 
Some photos and details of Daves first race.Dave Hughes: "Saturday was spent practising, I had six sessions each lasting approx. 25mins. It was cloudly but no rain. My lap times were falling steadily and I felt comfortable on the bike. After the 5th session we had fresh tyres fitted and spent the final session scrubbing them in." 
The Race Dave Hughes: "We awoke Sunday morning, race day, to heavy rain. The rain stopped before we went out to qualify but the track was still damp. My plan was to wait for the traffic to clear a dry racing line and then put some fast laps in. I completed two steady laps, however, the heavens opened and I had no chance of improving on my times already set. My times placed me 30th on the grid, very disappointing, as my times from Saturday indicated I would be in the top 15. We fuelled up and refitted the tyre warmers, then it was time to return to the track for the race. We rode to our positions on the grid and once again the rain came down heavily. The start lights flashed to green and I concentrated on carefully placing my body weight to avoid a wheelie yet still keeping weight on the rear tyre to avoid wheel spin. I initially got a fantastic start but a rider ahead of me had spun his back wheel, sending his bike sideways and blocking my route to the first corner. I swerved to miss him and sprinted to the bend passing as many as possible on the way. 
Dave Hughes: "I fought my way through the field to eventually finish a respectable 20th. We now look forward to the Round 2 at Mallory Park, 11th April." If you'd like to get in on the act and sponsor Dave e-mail him direct at vid@lineone.net
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