The 62-year-old motorcycling fanatic has been racing bikes for 46 years and took part in the opening round of the Hartwell Motorcycle Club series at Mount Gambier's McPark last weekend.

He finished midfield in the field of 24 on his Honda CBR 600, not a bad effort for a rider approaching pension age but his latest project is what has got him really excited.

Kenna is in the process of putting together an LC 250cc 1980 Yamaha to go racing in classic bikes with Warrnambool's David Morse and Wayne Fary.

He hopes to have his bike up and running by the end of April.

Last weekend, Kenna was scooting around McPark at speeds of up to 180 kmh and he said his 1995 Honda would reach 220 kmh at Phillip Island in a few weeks.

He said he would target two meetings this year on his Honda for more forward finishes ? at Mount Gambier in May and November at Broadford ? when he races in the over 45 category in which he only has to give away 17 years to his youngest opposition.

"That makes it bit easier for the old blokes like me," he said.

Kenna started riding motorbikes around the family farm when he was 13 and took up racing scramble bikes at 16, which resulted in a win in the Western Centre Junior Championship. At 18 he got his licence and climbed aboard a road bike with the career highlight finishing fifth in the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island as a sidecar passenger.

Kenna said his involvement with motorcycle racing had brought him enormous enjoyment. "It's a great sport which needs to be better promoted. It's a perfect avenue for getting kids off the streets who are interested in motorsport. All you need is protective gear and a bike," he said.

Macarthur rider Lachlan Hill dominated the 125cc division at Mount Gambier last weekend winning all three of his events.