A DEATH defying motorbike racer is looking forward to the New Year after an outstanding 2018.

Scott ‘Splinty’ Campbell won the Scottish Lightweight Championship at East Fortune in Scotland back in September.

It was his second title in quick succession, following his victory at the Knockhill Motor Sports Club (KMSC) Championship in Fife, earlier the same month.

But while the 33-year-old is determined to build on his success, his story is one of fearless survival.

Back in 2013, Campbell was involved in a 160mph crash, in which he broke both of his shoulders and numerous ribs.

“Within five months I was back on a bike,” he said. “It’s something I love doing and I didn’t want to stop.

“During a race, I just go for it, and even at Christmas when everyone is enjoying the festivities, I’m thinking about bike racing.”

Campbell’s record for eight meetings during the Scottish season included 15 individual race wins, 15 second place finishes, and four third placed finishes. Only once did he finish outside of the top three - when he came fourth.

“You’ve always got to strive for improvement,” he said. “Motorbike racing doesn’t get the same publicity as the more mainstream sports, so it’s important that we try to raise the profile.”

Campbell’s friend Simon Robinson (37), who is also from Haltwhistle, is also making big strides in the discipline of sidecar racing.

Robinson gained vital experience in the role of passenger, before moving onto the saddle and becoming a driver 18 months ago.

This year, Robinson has also enjoyed success in Scotland. He and passenger Phil Gravel won the Melville Club Championship and came joint second in the Melville Open Championship.

They also won the Marin Sidecar Cup on their way to the season-long Scottish Sidecar Racing Club Championship title.

“It’s been a great season and I’m really pleased with the transition,” he said. “After being a passenger for so long, I thought it was time to become a driver. I teamed up with Phil last season to great effect.”

The two bikers have full time occupations away from their sport. Campbell is a self-employed digger driver and farmer, while Robinson is a welder.