CATHERINE King is looking to kick her motocross career up a gear in 2015 as she aims for national glory.

The 19-year-old, from Urchfont, has become one of only two girls in the country to reach the expert class in AMCA (Amateur Motocycle Association) competition and has been given a boost ahead of a big year of competition after clinching a sponsorship support package from Bristol-based motorcycle dealership Fowlers, in conjunction with Honda UK.

King finished third in the ladies’ section of the Amateur Nationals last season, was third in the BSMA (British Schoolboy Motorcycle Association) Girls’ National and also finished second in the Devizes AMCA senior championship (alongside male riders) and club championship.

As well as going international as a UK representative in the AMCA IMBA (International Motor Bike Association) championship this year, the Wiltshire speedster has her sights set on championship success on multiple fronts.

“I had quite a good year last year but after what’s happened to me recently, it’s nice to know that things are getting better and I’m doing the right thing,” said King, who also works as a carer.

“I really want to focus on the Nationals this year and try and get another top-three finish or maybe even win it.

“Because of how well I did last year, I’ve qualified to represent the UK in the IMBA and I’ll try and do those rounds, as long as they don’t clash – they’re in places like Switzerland and Germany, and the UK too.

“Moving up to expert in the AMCA is a big achievement because there’s only one other girl in the country and I’d love to qualify for the national MX2 championship as well.”

King’s new link-up with Honda has also led to her being invited to talk about her experiences as a sportswoman as part of Inspiring Women Sports Week later this month, organised by volunteer campaign Inspiring Women in Sport.

She said: “I got a phonecall from Honda UK’s PR manager asking me if I’d go and represent them in London and I couldn’t believe it.

“I’ll be going and talking about being a woman in sport and it’s going to be a really nice thing to do.

“Riding with Fowlers and Honda is going to be such a massive help because they’ll be helping me out with my bike – in the past, my dad had to pay for everything.

“It still costs a lot to compete because you don’t just have to pay for yourself to get to places. There’s your bike as well so if anyone can help it goes a long way.”

King’s first race of the season is this weekend with the Devizes AMCA at Bromsberrow.

Anyone interested in sponsoring her bike or kit can contact King on 07970 124129 or cath_king@hotmail.co.uk.