Rider Jim Porter has come out of retirement for one last big race – aged 70.

Porter, who lives in Sittingbourne, intends to take part in the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix this August or next and is working towards regaining his national licence.

He’s rolled back the years by picking up a 1968 350cc Ducati – the same model on which he started his career in 1983 – for £4,250.

It doesn’t feel quite as fast as his original but is still capable of reaching 135mph.

He retired in 2000 after winning hundreds of races, including a Bemsee SuperMono Championship aged 50.

But the bug returned when he took part in a lap of honour for ex-riders at the Isle of Man last August, a birthday surprise arranged by his son.

Porter said: “I’d raced six times in the Manx GP – I came fifth in 1986 – and going back for that lap of honour lit the fire again.

“I thought I’d buy a bike and do one more race. I’ve been given a club licence and need to do 10 days in Britain to qualify for my national licence.

“I’ve only done one so far, at Snetterton, and as I hadn’t raced for 15 years, they put me at the back of the grid as a safety thing, to keep me out of trouble.

“I’d only had the bike three days and there’s no way I could say I did well but when I go to Mallory Park this Easter, I expect to do better against similar bikes.

“It’ll be a tall order to get the 10 days done by the end of June to qualify for this year’s Manx.

“I’m hoping they might be more lenient on me as I’ve done six before but if I don’t race this year, it’ll be next year.”

The Manx GP is supposed to be for classic bikes built before 1970 but now accepts international riders on new machines costing up to £50,000.

It’s a little out of the spirit of the race but Porter, who will be up against riders in their 20s, says he will have the respect of a younger field on his red Ducati.

He said: “I will be going there to enjoy it and do the best I can but I’m under no illusions.

“To keep the race alive, they’ve had to let in these international stars on fully sponsored, brand-new machines, which is all wrong.

“Twenty to 50 is about the age range, with most runners in their 30s and 40s.

“It’s rare to get someone of my age but I’m as young as I feel.

“If I didn’t think I was capable of riding, I wouldn’t consider it.

“The other riders will be shocked to see me out there at 70 but they will be respectful of the fact I can still ride well.

“I’ve been lucky with my health, I’ve kept fit and mobile and a big factor in the Isle of Man is course knowledge.

“It’s all about remembering where you’re going.

“On the lap of honour last year I found a lot of the bigger bikes were getting in my way because they were fast on the straights but slow on the corners and I was having a job to miss their back wheels.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Porter’s racing comeback should call him on 07980 573224.