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There’s a spring in the step of pure road racing fans this month, with the Bob Smith Spring Cup taking centre stage.
The first part of Road Racing News preview series about the opening UK roads-event of 2023, focuses upon the always keenly contested Supersport category.
BTS/NLC Components backed Jim Hind has proven a revelation at England’s only, existing road race circuit, since making his Oliver’s Mount debut at the Barry Sheene Classic in 2020.
Already an 11 times race winner at Scarborough, few would be surprised if he clinches a first Spring Cup success.
Joining Hind in being considered a prime contender for Supersport honours is BMW F900R Cup entrant, Classic TT winner, Chasin the Racin star Dominic Herbertson.
Linking up again with the Cowton Racing team, the ever-cheerful Herbertson has at it his disposal immaculately prepared ZX6R Kawasaki machinery, which he is also set to race in the Supersport races of TT 2023.
Additional potential 600cc front-runners include SMT Racing’s Rob Hodson, notable Scarborough returnee, Irish Road Race Supersport Champion Michael Browne (BE/RK Racing) and twice TT Privateers Champion, Jamie Coward (KTS Racing Powered by Steadplan).
It must be stated though that the Hebden Bridge racer, potentially may be a non-starter, depending upon whether he attends the TT Races press launch, which takes place on the 15th of April.
Aside from those already mentioned, added racers to keep an eye on this month include:
2016 Senior Manx Grand Prix winner Tom Weeden (Club 77), quickest North West 200 newcomer last year Gary McCoy (Mad Bros Racing), York’s Joey Thompson, Sam Johnson (VRS Racing), Stephen ‘Trevor’ Parsons, prospective IRRC series exponent Rhys Hardisty.
Bishop Castle’s Barry Furber, Gorilla Racing’s Don Gilbert, Tom Robinson, Matt Rees (Wilson Craig Racing).
Joe Yeardsley, Kidderminster’s Martin Morris, Adrian Harrison, Daniel Forbes, No Limits Racing front-runners Lewis Arrowsmith and Russell Brook.
Notable newcomers include 2022 Irish Road Race Junior Support Championship runner-up Michael Gahan (Newline Elite Racing) and Jacque Foley (JF76 Racing).
Both have the capabilities to gel quickly with the iconic 2.43 miles long Scarborough course, which has hosted high-level road race action since 1946.
With an overall entry exceeding 45 racers, race fans, in particular Supersport aficionados will be ultra looking-forward to what’s certain to be in April enthralling 600cc action.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
