A FORMER motorcyclist, who regularly competed in the Isle of Man TT, is set to swap two wheels for four when he takes part in the karting in the forthcoming UK Corporate Games.

John Hammond, 66, of Quarry Road, Old Town, is set to represent Swindon Council in the popular team event, which is being held at Swindon Karting at Wroughton airfield in two weeks' time.

But in spite of his speedy history, the part-time tree specialist is not expecting to set any record times.

"I only went karting for the first time on Wednesday," explained John.

"I've only entered as I thought it might be a bit of a giggle.

"I'm just in the team to make the numbers up and I don't think my rivals need to worry about me giving them too much of a run for their money."

John started racing bikes in 1966 after buying one of the top Grand Prix racing bikes of the time a 350cc Aermacchi. "I had always had an ambition to ride a bike in the Isle of Man races and after I bought the bike I started competing in the Manx Grand Prix in the Isle of Man, which is the race for amateurs," John recalled.

"I rode in that race between 1970 and 1977 and after I got my international licence I then competed in the TT races between 1978 and 1984.

"My best finishing position was seventh and eighth and I also rode quite a lot at Silverstone.

"I would get up to speeds of 130 or 135mph on the Isle of Man and it was absolutely fantastic, exhilarating.

"But it was a bit scary at times as I would have the occasional brush with a wall."

John hung up his competitive leathers in 1997 after spending more than a dozen years competing in international Manx races, but his passion for racing remains undiminished.

"I still take the bike to exhibitions for demonstrations, but I don't race it anymore," said John.

The chequered flag will signal the start of the karting event on the first day of the Games on Friday, June 2.

The event proved so popular that Corporate Games organisers had to close the entry date well in advance of the deadline.

It is just one of 21 events taking place at various locations throughout Swindon over the weekend.

For more information about the UK Corporate Games log onto www.corporate-games.com