By Spring equinox in full swing, Oliver’s Mount patiently awaiting true motorsport superheroes, it can only be Bob Smith Spring Cup time!
Road Racing News pre-event preview series, opens today focusing upon the revamped Supersport category, now merging new Pro (next generation/tuned contemporary middleweight machines), Stock (130 break horsepower limit) categories.
The class shake up has proved a significant hit with 58 entries received, 32 Pro, 26 Stock.
SMT Racing’s Rob Hodson debuting V2 Panigale Ducati metal, starts amongst the prime favourites for premier race glory.
Already a twenty-six times race winner at Scarborough, Hodson will be keen to open his 2026 road racing campaign, in scintillating style.
Same notion applies to welcome North Yorkshire ‘Mini TT’ returnee, MadBros Racing’s Gary McCoy.
750 Suzuki equipped, McCoy the outright 2024 Oliver’s Mount Racing Champion, has shown on multiple occasions his coolness under pressure and few would be surprised if he secures further success next month.
Joining McCoy, Hodson in the echelon of prospective Supersport winning contenders are Team ILR with Frog Vehicle Developments Franco Bourne, 2023 Senior Manx Grand Prix runner-up Marcus ‘Spartacus’ Simpson (Buckley – 765 RS Triumph), reigning overall Oliver’s Mount Racing Champion Aran Sadler (AS Electricals – ZX 636 Kawasaki).
2023 feature Spring Cup race winner Joey ‘Yorkshire’ Thompson (TH Racing – Honda), Aberdare Park Road Races lap-record holder Andy Smart (VRS Racing – ZX 636 Kawasaki) and Scarborough returnee after 18 years, last minute entrant, the ‘Ramsey Rocket’ Conor Cummins (GSXR 750 Suzuki).
Others hoping to acquire standout finishes include Tom Weeden (Club 77 – 765 RS Triumph), another notable Scarborough returner Barry Furber (DC Motorcycles – 765 RS Triumph), Rhys Hardisty, Johnny Stewart.
400cc lap-record holder Dan Frear (NLC – R6 Yamaha), Sam Johnson (Rs Auto Sparks – 750 Suzuki), Trickbits Racing’s Ryan Dixon (675 Daytona Triumph), David McArthur (Fostec Engineering – R6 Yamaha), Toby Shann (JW Trackdays – 675 Daytona Triumph).
Dan Forbes (FB Racing – GSXR 600 Suzuki), Oliver Macrae (EPS Pumps – ZX 636 Kawasaki, Bailey Harker (Cowton Racing – ZX6R Kawasaki), Warrior Racing’s Jack Worth, Oliver Dean (OC Graphics Racing – 765 RS Triumph), Paul Moir.
Craig Szczypek, Adam ‘Stretch’ Rayner, John Marsh (MKM Building Supplies Burnley – CBR 600 Honda), Tom Robinson, Mark Jackson (RM Controls – 765 RS Triumph), Arthur Gissing, Joey Lambden, Rad Hughes and Richard Cooper (Russell Racing – R9 Yamaha).
Although an Oliver’s Mount newcomer, you would be brave to discount the seven times Northwest 200 winner from running near the front.
Russell Racing team-mate, reigning feature Spring Cup race winner Michael Browne, potentially could be joining Cooper on the entry-list, subject to insurance issues being sorted.
As shown by the above spotlighted information, a stellar start-list for 2026 Spring Cup Supersport A&B races.
Expect no holds barred tussles, striking overtakes, weather depending notable lap-times and most of all great racing!
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
