THOUSANDS of biking enthusiats will visit the region this weekend for a top race meeting.

The British Superbike Championship arrives at Croft Circuit, near Darlington. And with four races to go and three riders with a chance of championship glory, the season is reaching a thrilling climax.

Police have warned fans not to treat the region's roads as a racetrack.

Throughout last year, 559 motorcyclists were killed, with another 5,939 seriously injured.

Motorbikes made up one per cent of traffic, but were involved in 18 per cent of fatalities.

This weekend, officers from four forces - North Yorkshire, Durham, Cleveland, and Cumbria - will be out in numbers to ensure the safety of all road users.

Sergeant Pete Mason, of North Yorkshire police, said: "More than 99 per cent of those coming to Croft want to enjoy riding safely on the region's great motorcycling roads.

"But I am warning the one per cent who ride like idiots, we will catch you and deal with you very firmly."

Durham Police Chief Inspector Paul Goundry said: "We ask visitors to respect the communities they are heading through, and respect other road users.

"This should be a great weekend and we would hate anyone to spoil that."

Superbikes appear identical to their road-going versions, but have more powerful engines, different suspension, and specially-made tyres.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Pete Sowray, executive member for roads and traffic, said: "Many motorcyclists will have similar bikes as they see speeding round the track - but the same behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated."

Police insist force boundaries will be irrelevant as all forces work together to prevent accidents. Roadside speed checks and extra patrols will be in place.

North Yorkshire's automatic number plate recognition team will also be working on approach routes to detect criminals and check insurance details.

Sgt Mason said: "Last year's operation showed we can successfully mix tough enforcement with friendly advice.

"The result is no casualties, a positive mood, and an easier job of easing thousands of cars and bikes through the busy approach roads.

"I'm hoping for a perfect weekend with no motorcyclists stopped for speeding or anti-social behaviour."