RHYS Hardisty enjoyed an emotional success at the Classic TT Formula 2 race at the Isle of Man.

The Abergavenny speedster finished third behind Ryan Kneen and James Cowton on his 1992 Yamaha TZ250 and was ranked first in the privateer race. He achieved an average lap speed of 108.4 mph and a fastest lap speed of 110mph

He was overwhelmed to make it onto the podium steps when racing for the second time on the island where his father Charles Ian Hardisty died in the TT races in 1998.

"Turning left into the winners' enclosure was the most amazing feeling," he said. "It would not have been possible without the amazing support I've received from my sponsors REPS Motorcycles, Kaymac Marine Engineering, M&D Cycles, Willson and Wilding, Steel Horse Café, Team BWR and Potchy's MOT Centre."

Rhys also competed in the Manx Grand Prix races at the Isle of Man in the junior, senior and Supertwin races.

He broke down on the first lap in the Supertwin race which was a huge disappointment after being in the top five during practice.

He races REPS Motorcycles' Yamaha R6 in the junior and senior, achieving 14th and 12th place respectively despite starting at number 43.

In the past year Rhys has experienced a lot of success. He has raced in the Irish road racing championship; achieving third place in the Supertwin, first place in the junior and best newcomer trophy at Tandragee 100.

At Oliver's Mount Road International Races he achieved two first place finishes in the lightweight races, at the Barry Sheene Festival he managed a third and fourth in the Supertwin races and second in the Formula 2 while at the Cock O' The North race meeting he was third in the Supertwin.

At Aberdare road races he achieved first place in Welsh Classic, second place in junior 125-400 and third in Golden Era.

He returns to Oliver's Mount this weekend for the Gold Cup and will be taking the TZ250 and R6.

Next year he plans to return to the Isle of Man but is as yet undecided about whether to compete in the TT or Manx Grand Prix. He also plans on attending more Irish Road races such as Tandragee 100 and Cookstown.

All this wouldnt have been possible without the sponsorship he received from local businesses such as REPS Motorcycles, Kaymac Marine Engineering, M&D Cycles, Willson and Wilding, Steel Horse Cafe, Potchy's MOT Centre and BR Special Tuning.

Anybody interesting in sponsoring Hardisty can contact him on RHRacing40@outlook.com, his RHRacing facebook page or @rhracing40 on Twitter.