SEAN Walkinshaw embarks on the biggest challenge of his career when he makes his first appearance in the annual Total 24 Hours of Spa at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

The fourth round of the Blancpain Endurance Series is set to feature a grid of almost 60 cars.

The 21-year-old, from Chipping Norton, previously contested a 12-hour race in Abu Dhabi last November, but is confident of a strong showing with MRS GT-Racing at Spa.

“I’m obviously really excited for my first 24-hour race, it’s definitely going to be the biggest race I’ve ever taken part in,” he said.

“This is the one you pretty much look forward to all season.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge especially as I’ve never raced at night before and then there is the physical and mental strain of competing over a 24-hour period.”

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It is not the first time this season Walkinshaw and teammates Craig Dolby and Martin Plowman have raced at the Belgian circuit.

In June, they ended the timed race eighth fastest in the Pro Cup and were inside the overall top ten – just 0.8secs off the pace.

Ahead of this weekend’s round, they are tenth in the Pro Cup driver standings, and sit seventh in the team championship.

BRADLEY Smith will compete in the Suzuka Eight Hours race in Japan this weekend for Yamaha.

The MotoGP rider, from Forest Hill, near Oxford, is joined by fellow Tech 3 rider Pol Espargaro and Katsuyuki Nakasuga in the three-man team.

Qualifying begins on Friday, with the top ten vying for pole position on Saturday.

Sunday’s race begins at 11.30am.