By Although next generation 600’s like Triumph’s 765, Ducati’s V2 Panigale still aren’t eligible for Oliver’s Mount competition, Steve Henshaw Gold Cup Supersport entry numbers remain extremely positive, with close to 55 racers due to sample the BDS Motorcycles Supersport (A) & (B) races.
Stern pre-race favourites include Cock O’The North winner last month, Mad Bros Racing’s Gary McCoy.
Nearing the twenty wins mark at Scarborough, McCoy (not the former Moto GP rider!) aboard potent Suzuki tackle, has the core determination, acumen, clever race craft to excel again this week.
Fresh from placing second in the Classic Superbike Manx Grand Prix, SMT Racing’s Rob Hodson, is another with eyes on the prizes.
2023 Bob Smith Spring Cup, 2024 Cock O’The North runner-up, few would be surprised if Hodson puts himself in top contention for the meets’ blue-riband race, the eight-lap Gold Cup encounter.
Bob Smith Spring Cup winner in April Michael Browne (Boyce Precision Engineering/Russell Racing Yamaha) who confirmed to Road Racing News during the Manx GP his intention to be ‘North Yorkshire TT’ bound, joins Hodson, McCoy amongst the pre-event favourites category.
Michael Sweeney (EM Building Yamaha), Tom Weeden (Club 77), Johnny Stewart, Andy Smart (VRS Racing) aren’t to additionally be discounted from front-running middleweight class displays.
Others capable of sweeping up impressive results include to name but a few:
Barry Sheene Trophy winner Don Gilbert (IOM Bike Storage), TH Racing’s Jay Bellers Smith, Barry Furber (DC Auto Repairs Newtown Ltd), Aran Sadler.
Eddy Wormald, Brandon Brinded, Warrior Racing’s Jack Worth, Aarron Cooke, Senior MGP podium finisher Sam Johnson, Brook Built Racing’s Adrian Harrison.
Jacque Foley, Cowton Racing’s Gareth Arnold, Allspeeds Racing’s Nick Gledhill, Craig Szczypek, Fostec Engineering backed David McArthur.
The experienced group of Rad Hughes, Stephen ‘Degsy’ Degnan, local favourite Paul Marley, Kevin Barsby and Justin Collins.
Scarborough first-timers looking to make proficient debuts to England’s only active, real roads circuit include multiple Irish Road Racing Champion Keelim Ryan (STS Racing), Dean Lacey and Jack Meares (JMR Racing).
Supersport Group A, Group B race thrillers pending! Eight-lap stints same as the feature Gold Cup race lay in prospect for (A) field competitors whilst (B) final racers scheduled contest distances are six-laps.
Keep an eye on Road Racing News tomorrow, for Gold Cup preview series part three, which focuses on the Super Twins!
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
