HOLLYOAKS star Stuart Manning will test himself against the challenging Thundersprint track in Northwich town centre.

Stuart, who plays Russ in the Chester-based soap is already an accomplished motorcycle racer and will be riding a Ducati SR4S Tricolore in the event on May 11.

He said: “I have heard so much about the Thundersprint that I just can’t wait to be involved. I am used to racing on tracks but the idea of threading my way through a super tight course laid out right in the town centre is mind-blowing.

“Racing in front of so many spectators is also going to be a daunting experience - a bit like winning an Oscar on a bike!

“I love all forms of motorcycling but I am particularly excited to be right in the middle of so many legendary bikes and riders. I am really looking forward to meeting superstars of the past like Giacomo Agostini and Jim Redman and having some fun with current British Superbike star Leon Haslam.

“It will also be great to meet many Hollyoaks fans and I hope that lots of you will come to Northwich and say hello.”

Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, was delighted with Stuart’s entry.

He said: “The Thundersprint is quite simply the world’s biggest biking party and I am delighted to have such a hardcore bike fan as Stuart join us. I was tremendously impressed by his enthusiasm for bikes and by his smile when he knew that his entry had been accepted.

“The Thundersprint appeals to people of every age with so many iconic riders from every generation taking part. I am certain Stuart will have a memorable day.”