MORE than 80,000 spectators descended on Donington Park at the weekend to watch some of the world's fastest bikes race around its circuit.

Tents and deck chairs lined grass verges around the track as the fans watched the British leg of the World Superbikes championship.

Riders thrilled the crowds as they raced around the Castle Donington track in Saturday's qualifying rounds and the race on Sunday.

Derbyshire's professional biker Leon Haslam, of Smalley, was one of the competitors. He finished second.

His cousin, Carl Haslam, was at the race to cheer him on.

The 35-year-old said the speed and skill of the competitors at the Donington Park race made it one of the country's top events.

He said: "It's a great event and this year has been brilliant for the home fans because there were seven British riders in the running.

"Superbikes is an amazing spectator sport because, when they're racing, it's really close and tight and that makes the atmosphere electric.

"It's a brilliant family event as well and loads of our relatives came along – we were there with banners, cheering Leon on."

Carl, of Blacksmith Croft, Marehay, near Ripley, said the event was an ideal opportunity to showcase what Donington Park had to offer.

He said: "It is a fantastic venue for this kind of race and the guys in charge of the track have got to put on a good show.

"They've got to impress people ahead of next year, when they hope to have the Formula One cars, and they've definitely tried their best."

Vic Woolley, of Mansfield Road, Oakwood, has been a motorsport fan since he was a teenager and was at the event with his son, Neil.

He said: "I had my first bike when I was 16 and I've been following the superbikes since then, though my mum made me stop riding because she said I'd give her a nervous breakdown.

"I used to travel all over for bike races – I went to watch the Isle of Man TT a few times but now I've got grandchildren I don't really do that anymore.

"Me and my son come to Donington Park every year and it's always fantastic. I just wish I had a chance to jump on a bike and race round the track myself."