NOT four weeks ago Michael Lockart’s left leg was smothered in plaster.

On Friday, plasterfree, he’ll mount a Kawasaki ZX6R and commence final preparations for a World Superbike endorsed event at the home of Australian motorbike racing, Phillip Island.

And if practice times are a true indication, the 17-yearold Reece Bancell scholarship holder is on the cusp of breaking relevant lap records – no mean feat given four months ago surgeons inserted three screws in his left tibia.

The opening round of the Australian Superbike 600 stock series marks the first event since Lockart went under the knife, is the teenager’s opening championship race of 2012, and is an initial chance to prove his worth since receiving the Bancell scholarship at a black-tie function in Melbourne’s Crown Casino last November.

The Scholarship is prestigious in motor racing circles. Named after Reece Bancell, a promising motorcyclist who died tragically after a racing accident in 2003, the grant provides the Oallen-based rider with maintenance and repair costs, tyres, entry fees and travel expenses.

Michael’s mother, Tricia, said the aspiring racer was unlikely to be overawed by the occasion and weight of expectation added by the scholarship.

He’s more focussed than ever ahead of an opportunity to follow in the tyre marks of his idol Casey Stoner – the man who secured a second Grand Prix world title with victory at Phillip Island in October.

“He’s very ready - mentally and physically,” she said. “He got himself a pushbike from the Greengrocer and he’s training every afternoon.

He’s very focussed this year, more than ever.” The first year auto-electrical apprentice ought to be confident, though not cocky.

Lockart finished within a second of a Phillip Island lap record for his age and category during practice last week.

He knows it only takes one error of judgment to ruin an event – or entire series for that matter.

Nevertheless, Lockart wouldn’t begrudge a stack or two in 2012. “If you want to make it to the top you go through years of crashing…” he said post surgery.

Hopefully for his career and parents’ state of mind (not to mention wallets), Lockart stays injury-free in 2012.

As well racing in the national 600 stock series, the recently graduated Braidwood High School student has commenced an apprenticeship at the Goulburn Battery Factory.

He’s found a way to juggle to both trades. Each workday Lockart rides toand- from from his family’s Oallen property,