Christmas comes early for Smyth Racing

THERE aren’t many privateer motorsports teams that will exit the current climate feeling that Christmas has come early, but Aughnacloy’s Smyth Racing may prove to be the exception, rather than the rule.

With businesses around the world feeling the pinch of a global pandemic, sponsorship may prove harder earned that it once was, which is why the Smyth family, rider Andrew and dad Kenny, have been left in shock and smiling like Cheshire cats following a shock offer from a local businessman, who at present wishes to remain anonymous.

The pair had planned to race in the British Superbike Championship support class, the Junior Supersport Championship, in 2020 and then decide what 2021 would hold after that. With 17-year-old Andrew needing a bigger bike due to his height, the move to 600cc machinery was the next logical step, but the costs were prohibitive.

That was until their doorbell rang last week and their new partner offered to back Andrew’s move into the Pirelli National Superstock 600 Championship in 2021.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S ULSTER HERALD