Next to take part in Road Racing News, revamped Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series is next gen Barnsley roads talent, Andy Smart.
The eleventh fastest racer of 2024 at Scarborough, Welsh Open Final Race 2, Invitation race winner on debut at Aberdare Park, his answers to the set of questions, are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“My mate telling me he rode around it on his MT09 (Yamaha) as a public road and he was describing the lay out to me and I knew then I wanted to someday race around it. Think I was around 15 at the time.”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“I like the old school feel of the full event where everyone talks to everyone and it’s a laid-back feeling. But you know when the lights go out there’s no closer racing than at the mount.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“Favourite section is Jefferies Jumps but a very close second is coming down mount side into the hairpin.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Best moment so far is coming back after my injury after having a year off and having to learn right hand gear shift.
I didn’t know how fast I would be but after the first race (during 2024 Cock O’The North) I was back up to speed and surprised myself with where I finished. I think it was P4.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“Phil Henderson all time hero.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“I’d like to have a go in a sidecar around the mount. My dad raced a sidecar so who knows, maybe one day I’ll do the same.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Mental”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Got to be Gary McCoy. Been in the awning with him and watching him race 3 bikes over the weekend and been so relaxed about it all is good to watch, and the lads fast.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou