TAUNTON-based Oakleaf Kawasaki are gunning for glory in the Pro Nationals Festival in Weston-Super-Mare this Saturday and Sunday.

The team has two professionals racing taking part – Shane Carless and Estonian Priit Rätsep – who are looking to outrace a field stacked with international racers.

Carless, the British Masters Champion in 2005, came third in the event last year.

Team Principle Shaun Anthony said: “Last year we had a great weekend at the pro national festival. To be on course to take the overall win of the weekend with Shane was immense.

“Unfortunately in the rough terrain of the last race he crashed, leaving him third overall on the podium, but the team was happy.

“This weekend will see our two main pro riders, Priit and Shane, take to this prestigious event all guns blazing.

“The riders are preferred sand riders and they both look forward to the event.

“It’s a local race for the team as well as we’re based in Taunton and are part of the company Oakleaf Building.com “The team this year gained official Kawasaki status from Kawasaki Motors UK and have travelled all over the country competing at the highest level of motocross championships.

“So for a massive event to be as local as Weston-Super-Mare makes it special for the team and we are hoping for plenty of support.

“Both the riders are on good form at present and are achieving some excellent results.

“We took part in the World British GP two weeks ago and it was a massive boost for confidence and mental strength – not only lining up against the best riders in the world but scoring points by finishing inside the top 20.

“That was outstanding for a British championship team and this event is the next best thing so we are only going there for one thing and that is to win.

“Luke Mellows, who’s a Taunton lad, will be competing in the pro class together with Priit and Shane, so we are there in force and are confident of a good weekend.”