MOTORBIKES: Carrick College pupil Scott Swann to ride in next season’s British Junior Cup

Just like our new world champion, 12-year-old Scott also comes from top quality racing pedigree. His father Michael Swann is a multiple Irish Superbike champion and one of the most respected names in local racing.

Scott will be supported in his 2016 campaign in the KTM British Junior Cup by Team #109, which was set up as part of the Sean Hurley Rider Development Fund. Team #109, who currently support Kevin Keyes, will provide Scott with a race ready KTM RC390 for next season with running costs to be funded by his father Michael.

Swann junior, like Rea, honed his throttle skills on two wheels in the Irish and Ulster motocross scene.

And whilst Ballyclare’s Rea is now a world champ at 28, he didn’t make his tarmac debut until he was 16. Scott will be just 13 when he lines up in next season’s KTM British Junior Cup.

Swann, who leads both the Irish and Ulster championships, said: “For as long as I can remember, there has been bikes and bike talk in our house and I got a PW50 when I was four. I started off racing motocross, and I loved the fast grasstrack races. But knew I’d have to wait until I was 12 to ride on short circuits.

“I’d love to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Glenn Irwin and Jonny Rea, and my dad of course. I really love my racing and next year will be a big adventure for us all.

“I can’t wait to ride the KTM on the British Championship circuits. I’m sure Glenn Irwin will give me plenty of good advice along with my dad and the likes of Stephen Thompson and Stephen Ferguson who have also been helping us.”

The local lad, who is now in his second year, has generated quite a bit of publicity in local racing circles, and thanks to Glenn Irwin, he now has this fabulous opportunity with Team #109.

Irwin said: “Being involved with Team #109 is close to my heart as Sean Hurley was a good friend and always wanted to run a team. Helping Scott next season with track walks and advice will give me great pleasure.

“Scott is a very down to earth but confident kid and he comes from good racing stock. It’ll be a huge learning curve for him next season but I’m looking forward to helping him and I’m sure he will enjoy the experience.”

Scott’s father, Mike, added: “We have a lot of people to thank for this opportunity, none less than Ivan Kerr for allowing Scott an opportunity on the tarmac and my close friend and former racer Stephen Ferguson has been there right from the start.

“We are obviously very grateful to Team #109 for providing the bike for next year and a big thank-you must go out to people like Paul and Stephen Thompson for supporting me this year and the likes of Billy McCutcheon, John Anderton, Tommy McCorvie and Sarah Doherty.”