CHELMSFORD Superbiker Ed Rendell has received great help from his fans as he looks to make a real impression in this weekend's round in Assen.
Rendell will be competing on the continent for the first time in the Netherlands, and has been using Twitter to ask his fans and followers to pledge £10 to help him have a full set of fresh tyres for the event.
At the time of going to press, Rendell was more than halfway to his target, but he admits it has been hard for him this season.
He sits fifth in the Championship, and is pleading for more help to help him cement that position.
"Behind the scenes it's very hard," he told the Chronicle. "You always struggle to get the financial needs met.
"It does cost money – obviously you do win prize money but you still have to get money in anyway.
"I work six days a week and put all my money into it.
"We've got off to a good start but sponsorship is vital, not just for the money but also for the support.
"I have received a lot of support on Twitter this year which is great!"
Rendell is racing for Banks Racing in the series, a strong set-up which has aided the five podiums so far.
"This weekend, I've got the podium in my sights again. I can adapt to new circuits quickly, which I feel will be a great help in Assen, so it's all about getting there, getting my head down and getting the lap times in."
To sponsor Ed, call him directly on 07768 619700 or visit www.edrendell12.com to sponsor as little as £5.
But there has been bad news for Burnham's Danny Buchan, who has been ruled out of the European round after suffering a crash in testing last week.
Buchan crashed heavily at Silverstone on Thursday and was taken to hospital.
And the concussion and elbow injury he suffered has ruled him out of the Assen meeting.
His team principal Phil Seton said: "It is a great shame that the team will not be making the trip to Assen.
"By withdrawing him from this round, it gives Danny a few more weeks before the penultimate round at Silverstone at the beginning of October.
"I have been to visit Danny and he is in good spirits but in light of his injuries, this is the correct choice in terms of rider safety."