Shaun
1st September 2008, 07:44
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Midge Smart will be hoping to uphold British honour in this weekends SuperSport race at Donington, after the tragic loss of compatriot and best friend Craig Jones at Brands Hatch a month ago.
Donington will be an emotional race for Smart.
"Craig was my best mate, we saw each other most days, whether it be riding dirt bikes, training or just getting lunch, we were always in contact. It’s been such a sad loss for his family and friends - he will never be forgotten.”
“We’d be honoured for Midge to race in Craig’s memory at Donington, said Steve Jones, Craig's father. "He was one of Craig’s closest friends, not only in racing, but in everyday life - we wish him all the best.”
Smart will be riding for the CRS Grand Prix Honda squad at Donington Park after scoring a solid 17th Position in his debut World Supersport Race for the squad at Brands Hatch.
After a season of ups and downs due to lack of funding and injury, Smart is set to make the most of this opportunity. Last year he finished 2nd in the Yamaha R6 cup, and like Xerox Junior Ducati rider Brendan Roberts, he hopes it can be a springboard to the world stage.
"With a small amount of sponsorship I could finish the season in World Supersport, so I'm hoping to get some attention at this round," he said.
"Last year in the R6 Cup we had four races at Donington and I won all four, so I’m hopeful of a good result this weekend.”
Midge was a wildcard rider at Donington Park in the 125cc class of the
MotoGP in ‘02 and ’03 riding for the Red Bull Rookies Team. After finishing 4th in ’02 and 3rd in the ’03 British 125 Championship with Red Bull Rookies, Smart went on to win the New Zealand 125 Championship twice in ’04 and ’05 as well as competing in the Spanish 125 Championship. He moved in ’06 to to the 600cc class in the Virgin Media Cup, where after a year's apprenticeship, he finished second overall in 2007.[/img]
Very best of Luck mate
Midge Smart will be hoping to uphold British honour in this weekends SuperSport race at Donington, after the tragic loss of compatriot and best friend Craig Jones at Brands Hatch a month ago.
Donington will be an emotional race for Smart.
"Craig was my best mate, we saw each other most days, whether it be riding dirt bikes, training or just getting lunch, we were always in contact. It’s been such a sad loss for his family and friends - he will never be forgotten.”
“We’d be honoured for Midge to race in Craig’s memory at Donington, said Steve Jones, Craig's father. "He was one of Craig’s closest friends, not only in racing, but in everyday life - we wish him all the best.”
Smart will be riding for the CRS Grand Prix Honda squad at Donington Park after scoring a solid 17th Position in his debut World Supersport Race for the squad at Brands Hatch.
After a season of ups and downs due to lack of funding and injury, Smart is set to make the most of this opportunity. Last year he finished 2nd in the Yamaha R6 cup, and like Xerox Junior Ducati rider Brendan Roberts, he hopes it can be a springboard to the world stage.
"With a small amount of sponsorship I could finish the season in World Supersport, so I'm hoping to get some attention at this round," he said.
"Last year in the R6 Cup we had four races at Donington and I won all four, so I’m hopeful of a good result this weekend.”
Midge was a wildcard rider at Donington Park in the 125cc class of the
MotoGP in ‘02 and ’03 riding for the Red Bull Rookies Team. After finishing 4th in ’02 and 3rd in the ’03 British 125 Championship with Red Bull Rookies, Smart went on to win the New Zealand 125 Championship twice in ’04 and ’05 as well as competing in the Spanish 125 Championship. He moved in ’06 to to the 600cc class in the Virgin Media Cup, where after a year's apprenticeship, he finished second overall in 2007.[/img]
Very best of Luck mate