HUNDREDS of competitors will descend on Brands Hatch this Saturday and Sunday (March 10-11) as the Kent circuit stages the first rounds of the BMCRC-MRO motorcycle racing championships.

‘Bemsee’ traditionally opens the bike racing season at Brands and this year has attracted a record number of riders for a massive 40 plus race programme.

Multiple Bemsee bike champion Steve Mercer, from Maidstone, is just one of dozens of local stars who will be aiming for a good start to 2007 and hopefully some extra silverware in the process.

Mercer, who currently holds the coveted Mellano Trophy, will contest the National Superstock Championship on his Yamaha R1.

The ten classes opening their 2007 accounts at Brands include the Aprilia Superteen championship. These races for youngsters between 12 and 18 always provide start-to-finish action and a capacity grid is guaranteed for this season’s televised series.

The Superbike 400 Championship, which produced some fine racing when it was introduced in 2006, has again attracted a huge grid and should be a competitive proving ground for local riders Pat Mills (Canterbury), Nick Sergent (Maidstone) and Ian Hickey (Tonbridge).

Many of the region's top riders will also be contesting the Powerbike, Superbike and Forza Xtreme classes as the riders battle it out for Bemsee’s top awards.

Tickets this weekend are priced at £12 on the gate with admission free for children aged 12 and under. For more information and a timetable of events visit www.brandshatch.co.uk