A TOP rider is enjoying race success in part thanks to go-faster livery designed by students from his old college.

Motorcycle racer Daley Mathison has competed in the likes of the Isle of Man TT, where he won two bronze medals this year, as well as the Ulster GP and at Oliver’s Mount, in Scarborough.

He recently became Welsh champion after winning at Abadare and will compete in the Ulster again this weekend.

The top 20 competitor admits that he is obsessed with how his superbikes – a Suzuki GSXR600 and GSXR1000 – look on the start line and states this is down to the finishing, body and paint tutors and students at Darlington College.

“I have to feel right and am OCD when it comes to how my bikes look at race meetings,” said the 23-year-old, who was brought up in Murton and now lives in Middleton-St-George, near Darlington.

“The colour schemes vary depending on my sponsors and it is great having the support of Darlington College who sort out my bikes’ body kits.”

When he is not riding, Mr Mathison works in construction and five years ago studied mechanical engineering at the college.

Curriculum manager Lee Childs said it was rewarding to be able to support a former student.

“Working with a successful sportsman also completely inspires our students,” he said.

“Many of the students on the Level 1 and 2 City and Guilds motor vehicle finishing, body and paint course are interested in bikes and working on a rider’s machines really captures their interest.

“As a result of the work we are doing with Daley we are hoping to offer new courses in motorsport engineering and motorcycle maintenance from September.”