By Fastest of all Oliver’s Mount newcomers across the Bob Smith Spring Cup, was a new name to the real roads scene, Barnsley’s Andy Smart.
Seventh in last year’s No Limits Racing, Pirelli Super Series 600 Championship, his first taste of North Yorkshire’s ‘Mini TT’ concluded on Sunday in excellent fashion, via an impressive run to fourth in the third, final Supersport (A) race.
Ending the weekend’s racing with a best lap time of 1 minute 51.070 seconds, his pace, accomplished race craft captured the imagination of many stalwart Scarborough fans.
Recently I caught up with BDR Racing’s Smart, to discuss multiple aspects about tackling the illustrious, steeped in history, 2.43 miles long Oliver’s Mount circuit.
Our uncontrived conversation reads as follows:
Road Racing News:
“Prior to the meeting, did you envisage adapting so well to England’s only closed roads course?”
A.Smart:
“I didn’t really know what to expect from the weekend. Racing there had never really crossed my mind but Robbie Silvester from VRS Racing, said he could get me a late entry if I wanted so I thought why not.
I’d never even been round the track and also missed the newcomers walk Friday with work commitments, so I was thinking just go out and get a feel for it then make a decision from there.”
Road Racing News:
“After your first lap around the mount, what were your initial impressions?”
A.Smart:
“After I went round in practice I still didn’t know where anything was and I couldn’t see how the fast lads could commit to something so fast and so close to the edge.”
Road Racing News:
“Compared to the short circuits, what did you feel were the biggest differences in terms of riding style?”
A.Smart:
“I think the roads suit my style with how little I hang off the bike. I seem to keep my mx riding style on the roads! The tighter turns took some adapting to I nearly dropped it a few times, with how much I was slowing down.”
Road Racing News:
“Was there any aspect about Scarborough, that surprised you or pleasantly surprised you?”
A.Smart:
“I loved the setting of the place and coming in and out of the trees is good and although it’s a public road it felt like a race track to me.
And it’s like a old school race meeting where people just get on with it, I liked that.”
Road Racing News:
“More Scarborough outings on the horizon?”
A.Smart:
“Yea 100% going to be coming back. I want to make sure next time I’m getting the starts up front, instead of starting from P12 all weekend. I’d like to see what I’m Capable of if I get a tow off a front runner.”
“I’d also like to thank a few people who made this weekend possible, Robbie Silvester (VRS racing), BDR racing,
ANSATECH racing, Corby Kawasaki.
DRC leathers, EMD custom graphics, XITE energy drink, Muscle doctor, Vesrah brake pads.”
Road Racing News:
“Finally, one word to describe Oliver’s Mount?”
A.Smart:
“Madness!”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
