NERVES are not something you would normally associate with World Superbike rider Neil Hodgson.

The 27-year-old can take a corner at more than 100 miles per hour and coped with some of the toughest courses in the world to finish fifth on his return to the World Superbike scene this year after a four year absence.

He celebrated a fabulous race win at Donington Park in front of his home fans and held his nerve to compete in front of 122,000 screaming British fans at Brands Hatch.

But put him in his home town of Burnley to sign copies of his book "Back on Track" - his diary of the 2001 World Superbike season - and he is petrified.

"I'm so nervous about signing copies of the book in Burnley," said Hodgson who was set to go through this 'ordeal' this afternoon.

"All my friends are coming. They have been taking the micky especially when they have seen the posters of me in WH Smiths.

"I think they find it all bizarre, especially that I have produced a book. They know I wasn't any good at school so they don't think I am capable of doing that.

"I know I didn't write it, but I let them think I did. They won't know any different!"

It has been a dramatic year for Hodgson where, after being crowned British champ in 2000, he carried the expectation of the British fans - passed on from Blackburn's retired four times World Champion Carl Fogarty - into his world challenge.

The last time the former Fisher More pupil had stepped up to the World scene around three years ago he had finished 11th and 12th - disappointing by his standards.

But it was a case of 'No more Mr Nice Guy' from Neil this time round who, with a new attitude, stepped onto the World Scene and got ready to make a big impact - which he did.

The diary charts the ups of the season including winning at Donington Park - 'that was the best feeling of my career' and competing in front of the huge crowd at Brands Hatch - the largest attendance at a British sporting event this year.

But there are also some lows.

At Kyalami in South Africa, just before only the second race of the season, GSE team manager Colin Wright told Neil, who had finished 16th in a qualifying session: "It's not too late to find someone else to do the job."

And, in Johannesburg, they got a lift with some Italians to the airport and ended up 'in the roughest township' - a frighening experience.

But, on a lighter note, there's the incident of Hodgson emptying his motorhome toilet - and not very well!

"That is my job of course. The contents went everywhere - including all over my arms ... It wouldn't have been so bad if it had just been mine and Kathryns (his wife's), but I had to fish around through a load of Scouse xxxxx as well!"

It is a very honest account of the season told by a genuinely nice person but Neil's sense of determination and his desperation to prove himself on the track comes across strongly.

"I decided to write a book as every year I get asked the same questions. Why can you do well on one circuit and not another? Why did you pick those tyres and what went wrong - or right?

"I wanted to answer the questions and show what goes on behind the scenes.

"Some parts are technical but there is also the funny side.

"And it really shows you how unglamourous motorbike riding is.

"It is extremely hard work, travelling round and testing, and there were a lot of ups and downs both on and off the track."

Although motorbike enthusiasts will love Neil's look behind the scenes and insight into the different riders and the relationships they all have with one another - a lot are close but not always! - his everyday life visiting different countries and his relationship with his family and new wife Kathryn, who he married last Saturday, gives a good insight to Neil the person.

"My mum Maureen knows when I am going to have a bad weekend. She knows better than Kathryn, she can see it in my eyes.

"And if I do she says 'I could tell it wasn't right'.

"I don't think you do have to be technical or know too much about the sport to read the book.

"I would like people to read it so next time anyone watches me, they feel they know me.

"I want them to be interested in the sport and that is one of my aims, to attract people to the sport."

Neil relays his love of gin and tonics to relax, the 'idiotic' way he fell off a wall while looking at the building works on his new house and gashed his leg - just seven days before the South Africa trip - and 'Flat Eric', his lucky mascot.

He talks about the 'million butterflies' that go through his stomach when he is on the starting grid, his 'fan club' from Halifax who he has plenty of time for, the media intrusion and how focussed he is.

"I get some great support and it really gives me a lift. All Lancastrians support me, Blackburn and Burnley," he said.

"And I have grown in confidence since last time I competed in the Worlds. I have grown up. I feel I can deal with the pressure and I always keep positive no matter what.

"And now I'm married I am racing for two! Marriage was a final piece of the jigsaw for me and Kathryn. We make a great team and we will show everybody."

Kathryn, from Blacko, who admits to 'not knowing much about the sport even after five years' said: "It would mean everything to us for Neil to become World Champion.

"He does have the will and determination to become the world champion. I can see the difference in his attitude from the last time he competed in the worlds.

"I am always just relieved to see him come back and glad when the weekends are over but it would mean a lot to both of us for him to be crowed World Champion."

And who knows, his second book this time next year, could be all about his championship winning season.

'Back on Track' costs £14.99.