By Baylon McCaughey
For 2018, it would be a season to forget for the 2017 Irish Junior Cup short circuit champion Andrew Smyth.
The 15 year old Student from Aughnacloy,now in his third season of racing , began with competing in the 300 class at Thundersport and USBK meetings, Unfortunately a fairly fast crash at the beginning of the season, didn’t help the lads confidence,but nevertheless, he dug deep and continued.
An offer of a standard Moto 3 machine was too good to refuse,and a few outings at BSB level on this machine saw Andrew better his lap times from the same events at Thundersport level.
Unfortunately, For one reason or another this season didn’t go to plan as he admits, they sort of lost direction!
So a re think was needed, and Andrew along with his ever supportive family, took a step back, with view going two steps forward.
Recently, Andrew got the chance to ride a GP 125 Honda at the David Wood meeting at Bishopscourt, despite engine problems, then another high speed crash, Thankfully, uninjured, but more importantly, he enjoyed himself, a feeling that was somewhat missing during the earlier part of the season!.
Andrew had found his mojo again,and will again get a run on the GP 125 Honda at The final round of the year at the Sunflower Trophy races.
However, he has an added bonus, of having his first run out on the 2018 British Championship winning Supersport 400 Kawasaki, the ex Eunan McGlinchy,Team 109 Title winning 400 Kawasaki!
This machine has been purchased,Thanks to a sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous.
This will be Andrews first outing on the machine, and for the 2019 season, He hopes to contest the BSB series on it,as well as taking in the USBK events that don’t clash!.
“. I always look forward to the sunflower every year and this year it will be the first time I will throw my leg over the 400 for the first time so it really is going to be brilliant this year! Although I will not ride for team 109 next season they will be helping me out with technical support and bike set up which will be such a help. Next season we will do all USBK races at home that don’t clash with the Junior Supersport rounds in the BSB as this will be my main focus for next year.
Not only has the Sunflower always got a top class entry but Roy Biggerstaff and Jim O’Brien always have the venue prepared in first class condition. “
Thanks to all our loyal Sponsors
R&R kitchens R topping and sons Clarke decorate John Beers commercial vehicle service and recovery Pipe Worx RST Moto Direct Walsh Gardening services Aquarius couriers Suitor Autofix Fast lane motors NI Mcbride Lubricants Mcbride’s on the Square Comber Blackwater Graphics 151’s Northland MCC
Information for Competitors & Spectators;
The Sunflower Trophy race meeting which takes place on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th October,also incoroporates the final round of the 2018 USBK Championships.This is a Two Day event,
Thursday 18th October ; Competitors will be admitted to the Circuit from 4.00pm, but will NOT be admitted to the Race Paddock until Paddock Marshalls are in place to sort Parking.
Thursday 19th October; Spectators /Motorhomes etc admitted to Circuit after 6.00pm.
Practice and Qualifying will commence Friday 19th October @ approx 9.15 AM.
Five Races will take place on Friday afternoon.
Car Parking and Viewing on Hard Standing Everywhere.
Admission Charges;
Friday ONLY; £15.00
Saturday; £ 20.00
ALL Weekend ( inc Motorhomes) £25.00
Children Under 15 ; FREE
Admission includes Full Colour Souvenir Race Programme
