RISING race ace Lennon Docherty admits he will have extra determination this weekend when he races at his home circuit.

The talented teenager, who bagged his first podium place in the most recent weekend of HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship action, has also set his sights on a maiden race victory ahead of performing at Knockhill this Saturday and Sunday.

St Columba’s High School pupil Lennon, who was named as the Young Sports Personality of the Year for 2022 at the Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council Sports Awards in March, is set to be cheered on a large contingent of family and friends.

After winning the 2022 Bemsee (British Motorcycle Racing Club) Kawasaki Team Green Cup, the Lochore youngster moved up to the Junior Supersport Championship, which is a support class of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, which returns to West Fife this weekend.

He is seventh in the overall riders’ standings, and makes the short trip to Knockhill on the back of a third place in race two of the previous weekend’s action, at Donington Park.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Lennon told Press Sport.

“I think it’s going to be a busy weekend. There’s going to be a lot of people who have never been able to see me race before who will be coming up, and a few of my sponsors, but I think it’ll be good – especially with the drive, only 15-20 minutes!

“I’m excited to see them there. It’s going to be good for them to see me, but it’s nervous before you go out. I don’t think there’ll be pressure, because no-one’s putting pressure on me, but I do feel like, because I know they’re there, there will be a bit of added pressure from myself. I’ll just probably have to work on that over the weekend, and try to do my best.

“A lot of people think it’s the home race, he’s done it loads, everyone will be wanting to follow me on track – but it’s just another track, isn’t it?

“I’ve done it about the same as all the other tracks. I’ll just go out and do my best.”

After picking up third at Donington – which came after he was sent out of the race because of a crash involving another rider in the race prior – Lennon, who is on the lookout for potential new sponsors, now hopes to build on achieving what was a pre-season target.

“I think now we want to push on for a win at some point this season,” he continued.

“We’ve got six rounds to go, so, if I keep working hard, and training, we’re more than capable of doing it.

“A win would be nice. Of course, I would like to get a few more podiums as well, but, mainly, I just want to score points because, in the end, that’s what really matters for the championship.”