THOUSANDS of motorsport enthusiasts braved the wet weather to watch top racers perform ahead of two major competitions.

Glasgow's George Square was transformed into a racetrack as some of the world's fastest motorcycle and saloon touring car racers showed off their skills.

The crowds were also treated to a spectacle by jet pack performer Eric Scott, from Texas, who flew over city centre buildings.

Heavy rain and winds failed to dampen the spirits of revellers last night, who turned up at the square to watch stars from the British Superbike Championships.

The event, hosted by Knockhill Racing Circuit and Glasgow City Council, was in the city for a second year after last year's huge success.

The spectacular display, which featured around 20 riders, took place on a specially set-up track.

While rain throughout the day threatened to turn things sour, the crowd could not have been in better spirits as they watched daredevil stunts and listened to live music by traditional Scottish band Cannadrumma.

The show included superbikes, rally cars and touring cars, keeping the crowds entertained until 8pm.

Sarah Thomson, the Texan girlfriend of English rider James Ellison, was taking the Scottish weather in her stride, "We've been to Edinburgh and the rain was nothing like this, but we are still having an amazing time watching the boys."

Ellison, 2004 Winner of the World Superbike Championships, along with the other riders, gave a crowd pleasing performance as they raced around the track performing tricks and stunts.

Nick Tootle, 23, a student from the West End, said: "It's amazing, its good to bring the bikes closer to people who cant make it to Knockhill!"	Andrea Warnock, 40, Fulton Park, Housing officer (Pictured with Sharnet Fallon, Cameron Fallon and Lewis Warnock) "I'm here with my boys and they are really enjoying the stunts and watching the bikes!"	Lynn Ferguson, 30, Motherwell, Fitness Instructor said: "I'm here with my partner and we're having a great day, the stunts are brilliant,"	Lorry driver James Armour, 36, Greenock, said: "It's a good event for the city as it gets people out and about during the week. I love the bikes and I'm having a great night"

The show kicked off at 5.30pm, with the main attraction, Jetpack Man Eric Scott, taking to the skies at 7.30pm Eric, a stunt man and pilot from Texas, has made the headlines over the past couple of years with his daredevil act, propelling himself hundreds of feet into the air using only a fibreglass belt with a jet pack attached to it.

The awestruck crowd watched as Eric thrusted himself into the grey skies, doing a lap around the square, before gliding back to earth to rapturous applause.

The amazing and highly dangerous display wowed the crowds, who were told by officials to cover there ears due to the extremely loud noise of the jet engine.

Ray Smith has been manager at Knockhill Racing Circuit for the past 12 years and he was delighted with the turnout.

He said: "This is our second year working with Glasgow City Council, and they were even better to work with this time.

"The turnout is brilliant considering the rain, and we're holding another event like this one this weekend up at Knockhill, we call it a back to back feast of speed!"