The Huntly rider was offered his dream opportunity of racing Superstock motorbikes in Europe this year, but there’s a catch – he has to pay his way.

Asked to raise $60,000 for the right to ride for the Seton Tuning team in the British Superbikes Championship, Wilkinson is about $40,000 short of his target.

But he’s paid the first installment and leaves on February 25 to start testing the bike in Spain prior to the season-opening race in April.

“It’s getting awfully close, but I’ve been so busy organising my passport and visa I haven’t had time to think about it – but I’m really excited,” Wilkinson said.

“It’s the same class I was running here, except instead of 25 bikes there’ll be 60 and there’s an average of about 50,000 people watching per round. Here there’s about five thousand.

“The level of professionalism and competition – it’s at the pinnacle pretty much.”

Wilkinson’s next instalment of the money is due in March and he has put his car and beloved racing bike up for sale to help fund his season in the top-level championship.

Bendigo businessman Paul Denham from the Motorbike Co. has chipped in to help Wilkinson’s cause and has donated a fully-restored 1973 150cc Vespa motorcycle.

The Vespa, motorbike memorabilia and clothing will be auctioned at the Preston Motorcycle Clubrooms in North Coburg on Saturday night.

“We’ve still got a long way to go really. Hopefully the auction this weekend can raise some funds,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson was noticed by the UK team at the last round of the Australian Superstock 600 Championship at Phillip Island last year – when he returned to racing just four weeks after suffering a fractured vertebrae.

The British Superbike Championship is raced over 12 rounds and finishes in October.

“Hopefully if I have a good season I can pick up a ride with another team or the same team where I have to pay less money or get paid to ride,” Wilkinson said.