THE ninth and tenth rounds of the Bemsee Nationwide Championships taking place at Lydden this weekend could see some regional talent come to the fore.

The Supersport 600 competition, in particular, looks a potentially successful category for young Kent-based riders.

Considering 74 riders from a total of 103 who have contested this season's Supersport 600 series have scored points, Rob Sketchley's position of third in the standings is a big achievement.

The talented 24-year-old Sittingbourne rider has experienced one or two mechanical problems with his Yamaha, but victories in two rounds at Snetterton, plus a second and a fifth during a round at Brands Hatch has contributed to a healthy start to the season.

Rochester's Sam Green, who occupies fifth, is also a major candidate for honours as well. Green has suffered one or two setbacks this season but the air conditioning engineer is back on form with his HM tuned Suzuki GSXR.

The Rookie 600 championship couldn't be closer. Bromley's Terry Oliphant has survived a non-scoring disaster at Cadwell Park to emerge from the last round at Snetterton as leader of the group, but just one point separates him from Ben Hallett.

There's no doubting who is the leader of the Rookie 400 group. Richard Keohane, from Fareham, has amassed 275 points so far, more than 100 over his nearest rival Pat Mills.

However, Canterbury racer Mills has improved race by race and visited the podium four times in the last rounds at Snetterton.

Scott Halliday from Eastbourne and Tonbridge rider Thomas Dean are also likely to be in the hunt for prizes this weekend.

From a packed three-wheeler grid there is every chance there will be at least a dozen outfits from East Kent are contesting the Super and F2 Sidecar championships.

If Ged Canfield gets his damaged Yamaha LCR back from the repair shop, the reigning Nationwide F2 champion should be able to retain his leadership of the Super Sidecar series.

However, Milton Keynes brothers Gordon and Darryl Pottinger are chasing hard and there should be some intense racing between these two teams.

Kent interest in this class surrounds Sandwich rider Tony Green, Bethersden duo Sean Reeves and Paul Jemmett and Bruce Munro and Mark Matthews from Ashford.

Colin Low and Ashford's Bev Stafford have eased clear at the head of the F2 standings, but competition is likely to be tense from the closing pack that is sure to include Matt Dix and Duncan Earnshaw and Jason Bibby and teenage passenger Lee Watson.

Local teams to watch out for include the Wightman brothers form Herne Bay, Daniel Green and James Whorlow from Ramsgate, and Sittingbourne's Ali McCue will be ballast for Ian Povey.

Ross Walter has a 19-point cushion at the head of the GP 125 group, but it may be difficult to maintain this margin as a number of riders, including Michael Wright and Tunbridge Wells racer Darryl Lewis are close behind.

Also watch for former motocrosser Kyle Kentish. The 18-year-old plasterer from Chesham could go well at Lydden. Another ace to look out for is Lewis Monks. The 18-year-old welder from Deal will be up against Richard Austen from Folkestone.

There will be races for MZs, Yamaha Past Masters and MiniTwins, plus GP 250 and Supersport 400.

The action starts from 10.15am on Saturday and 12.45pm on Sunday. Admission is £10 for adults, free for children.