WARRINGTON racer Johnny Blackshaw is slowly building his career back up, less than a year after discovering a brain tumour that almost stopped it in its tracks.

While racing in the National Superstocks Championship, the 25-year-old had a bad crash at Cadwell Park in August which left him with an injured back and hand.

However, in head scans that followed, a tumour was found and doctors planned to remove it but have now decided to monitor it.

Despite this, Blackshaw, who works as a sales rep for Rock Oil in Warrington, says his back poses more of an issue when he is back on his bike.

“I’m not sure if the tumour was caused by the crash,” he said.

“I was due to have an operation to remove the tumour over winter, but the doctors have decided just to monitor it for now.

“It’s my back that’s the problem when I’m racing, it gets very uncomfortable after a few fast laps.

“I feel the national races are too long for my current fitness.”

Blackshaw has decided to restrict his racing to the Powerbikes class of the Wirral 100 Championship this year.

He started the season in fine style, winning the year’s opening race in Anglesey.

While planning to complete the championship season, Blackshaw has not ruled out a return to national racing in the future.

“It’s great to be back riding the bike, there’s no pressure on me at all,” he said.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have helped, supported and stuck by me through the last year.”

Blackshaw is back in action on Saturday when the Wirral 100 Championship moves on to Oulton Park.