Ambitious Paget has the tools to succeed

Three years later, Paget is the Earlystocks and East Midland Racing Association (EMRA) twingles champion after winning both titles at Mallory Park last month.

The successes follow single-cylinder championships in 2008 and 2009 and have left the 35-year-old regretting not turning his hand to racing sooner.

“I used to help out Richard Rowe in Formula 400 and I thought I could do that,” said Paget. “It turned out I was good at it.

“Without a shadow of a doubt I wish I’d started out earlier - I could have been the next Valentino Rossi!”

Paget, who rides a 1986 Yamaha SRX600, says EMRA offers one of the cheapest forms of road racing, with a season costing around £2,000.

Being able to do all his own servicing helps keep costs down, with the self-employed builder believing the pride he takes in his bike helps give him an edge.

“I used to do a lot a of motocross and green laning and that helps me keep control of the bike,” he said.

“But I’m one of those people who believes that if you’re going to do something, do it really well or don’t bother. I take pride in my bike and there’s not a lot of the standard bike remaining - it’s just within the rules.”

Plans to switch to a Honda VT500 next year and obtain a national licence which will enable him to compete in major races in the Isle of Man and Scarborough will have to be scaled down, though, with wife and ardent supporter Zoe expecting the couple’s first child next month.

“With the baby coming, I was desperate to win both titles. It was a nice way to finish off as I’ll be taking a bit of a back seat now.

“But when I come back, I’d like to try a bit more competitive racing, it’s important not to stagnate.”