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Springtime in the air, Oliver’s Mount ready for true motorsport superheroes, it can only be Bob Smith Spring Cup time!
Road Racing News pre-event preview series, opens today via a focus upon the always thoroughly entertaining Supersport category.
With reigning feature race Champion Joey Thompson not participating, the door is ajar for a new Spring Cup conqueror.
Second in yesterday’s opening Supersport race at the Enkalon Trophy races, 2023 Cock O’The North runner-up Michael Browne must start one of the big favourites.
A first time Scarborough victor at last year’s Steve Henshaw Gold Cup meeting, he is entered on a R6 Yamaha courtesy of 2023 Gold Cup winners, Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing.
Joining Cork ace Browne in the echelon of prospective Supersport winning contenders is Mad Bros Racing’s Gary McCoy.
Amongst the brightest lights around Scarborough across 2023, the thirteen-plate holder is keen to create quite the impression again.
Like McCoy, it’s Suzuki (GSX-R 600) power for Marcus ‘Spartacus’ Simpson.
One of the fastest Oliver’s Mount newcomers of modern times, the Isle of Man rider has the capabilities to capture truly eye-catching results.
Same notion applies to the rider who bested him for Senior Manx Grand Prix success last year, Joe Yeardsley (Joe Yeardsley Racing/Spin Arena).
Added potential 600cc front-runners, to name but a few include 130 Mph TT member Rob Hodson, Tom Weeden, Mike Norbury, Don Gilbert, Barry Furber.
There’s also a notable surprise entrant, making a welcome return to 600cc roads action, Scarborough wins record holder Ian Lougher.
Aside from those already showcased, others to watch closely next month include:
Rhys Hardisty, New Cowton Racing signing Gareth Arnold, Kevin Barsby (Sally Nunn Racing), Jacque Foley, Neil Kernohan, Dan Forbes (FB Racing).
Paul Marley, Stephen ‘Degsy’ Degnan, Brian Fuidge (Royal Navy Royal Marines Road Race Team) who tackled last year the IRRC season finale at Frohburg.
Sam Johnson, TH Racing’s Jay Bellers Smith, Aran Sadler, Toby Shann, Craig Szczypek, Connor Wade and Roddy Taylor, who brings his newly acquired rasping MV Agusta.
Debutants hoping to make their mark include Josh Corner (Parker Transport), Craig Kennelly (Resideo Racing), Wayne Avis, Grant Aitchison (J Stewart Garage Services/St Boswells Mowers), and prospective Manx GP newbie Liam Thornton (Thornton Racing).
With close to fifty racers competing, race fans, particularly those with an affinity towards the Supersport steeds, will be ultra looking-forward to what’s certain to be in April, captivating, scintillating 600cc action.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
