Hollyoaks actor, Stuart Manning, stormed to eighth place in the Suzuki GSX-R Trophy at the weekend, as he rode the Suzuki GB wild card bike at Anglesey circuit in North Wales.

Manning, known on-screen as Russell Owen in the channel four TV soap, has been a keen motorcyclist and racer for a number of years, and accepted the offer to ride in the series after watching the championship support the British Grand Prix at Donington Park last month.

Competing in the two races over the weekend, Manning was one of only a few riders that had never raced at the Welsh circuit before, and hadn’t even ridden the bike before the first practice session on Saturday morning.

However, despite his relative lack of experience, the 29 year-old actor managed to qualify in 14th position and go on to achieve the same result in the first race on Saturday. Determined to do better in the second race, Manning did exactly that by remaining consistent throughout Sunday’s 20 lap race, dropping his lap times to move through the pack to a solid eighth place finish at the flag.

Talking after the weekend, Manning said, "I’ve enjoyed this weekend immensely. I was impressed by the format of the championship as a spectator, but having the opportunity to get involved myself has been tremendous. In fact, I’m now actually considering in having a go at a full season of racing in the GSX-R Trophy next year."

The Suzuki GSX-R Trophy is back out in action again at Castle Combe on the 16th August.

For further press information contact Luke Plummer or Helen Morgan at the Suzuki GB Press Office (Motorcycles), Tel: 01296 680086 or 07725 956783.