Top Southampton motorcycle road racer John Crockford has ended his winter-long search for a new team.

The Bitterne speed ace will ride a GSXR Suzuki for Stamford Superbike team in the national Superstock Championship.

The team are supported by Bridgestone Tyres and Crescent Suzuki, who are providing technical assistance.

Crockford had two top-three finishes in the Superstock Championship before moving up to the British Supersport Championships last year, when he took fifth place overall.

A winter of lost opportunity - he had several offers but not enough sponsorship to take them up - saw him lose out on a place in the Supersport series.

Bridgestone, having made their mark in Formula One, are now looking to make a breakthrough into motorcycle road racing and their partnership with Stamford Superbikes is part of a development programme during the season.

It all starts up at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday for the second round of the Superstock Championship.

One of Crockford's main opponents will be another Hampshire rider, Jamie Morley, who is also being helped by the Verwood-based Crescent Suzuki organisation.

There's a big weekend of motocross coming up with the Winchester Club staging their Thumper X at Whaddoms Farm at Owslebury on Good Friday (10.30am) and Matchams staging the annual Hampshire Grand National event on Easter Monday.

Sunday's the day when grasstrack fans get their first big event of the season, the Salisbury Sizzler at Finkly Down Farm near Andover.