Huddersfield's racing fraternity are getting solidly behind Tom Sykes’ push to become world champion.

The 28-year-old Fenay Bridge racer goes into Sunday’s final round of the World Superbikes Championship boasting a 37-point lead over nearest challenger Eugene Laverty, and a point more over Aprilia’s other team rider Sylvain Guintoli.

Those two are the only men who can deny Kawasaki Racing Team rider Sykes at the Circuito Permanente in Jerez.

Success in southern Spain would make Sykes the first British winner of the title since Sheffield’s James Toseland in 2007 and his fellow Huddersfield area racers are backing him to succeed.

Denby Dale’s Tom Tunstall was a contemporary of Sykes’ in the British Superbikes Championship over a number of seasons before Sykes’ move into World Superbikes.

“Without doubt Tom deserves to take the World Superbike Championship,” said 33-year-old Tunstall, who now manages Huddersfield-based racing team Doodson Motorsport.

“He has led more race laps than all the other riders combined and all season he has been really strong.

“His double race win last time out in France, where he wiped the floor with the competition, was even more impressive considering the really tricky weather conditions with the rain threatening.

“It would be cruel if anything got in the way of him winning the title this weekend, especially after missing out by half a point last year!”

Last season Sykes went into the final round trailing by 30.5 points to Italian legend Max Biaggi, and recovered all but the crucial half point at Magny-Cours.

However, Tunstall felt Sykes’ hard graft and the expertise of his Kawasaki Team should give him every chance of finishing the job.

“Tom’s in a strong position points wise, but racing is far from predictable,” added Tunstall.

“Tom obviously works very hard at the job and he looks really confident on his Kawasaki.

“So I’d think he’s well prepared and I’m looking forward to seeing him lifting the trophy on Sunday afternoon. Good luck Tom!”

The most recent local champion is James Lodge – the Holmfirth racer having won the British 125cc Championship for two consecutive seasons.

Now racing in Superstock 600 in the British Superbikes series, Lodge and his elder brother Jonathan – who races for in the BSB Superstock 1000 class – were both keen to add their support.

“All the best for the weekend to Tom from both of us and everyone at Earnshaws Motorcycles,” said James.

A rider who will be on the track at Jerez on Sunday is 21-year-old Kyle Smith.

After a turbulent season in which his rookie year in Moto2 was brought to a premature halt, Smith, who also hails from Fenay Bridge but is based in Alicante, is finishing the season riding in the 600cc Superstock class in the World Superbikes.

“I want to wish Tom Sykes all the best of luck in trying to take the world championship,” said Smith.

“He deserves it and here’s hoping we have two Huddersfield lads on the top step of the podium this weekend in Jerez!”

To read more about Tom Sykes' season click here