Midge Smart- Donington WSB

**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

**speedracerjimmy** · 1st September 2008, 12:33

best of luck to midge,hope he goes well

**CHOPPA** · 1st September 2008, 19:57

mean! so is he actually riding the bike/team that craig was riding?

**Toast** · 1st September 2008, 20:17

Originally Posted by CHOPPA

mean! so is he actually riding the bike/team that craig was riding?

I don't think so. I watched that famous Assen WSS race of earlier this year and Jones was racing for the Parkalgar Racing Team or something like that.

**k14** · 2nd September 2008, 13:31

Originally Posted by CHOPPA

mean! so is he actually riding the bike/team that craig was riding?

It will be the same team he rode for at brands, the name escapes me but its a honda.

**svs** · 2nd September 2008, 16:19

Will be over there for my brothers wedding - but we're going to the WSBK first

I may be a pommie but I'll be waving the kiwi flag for this one.....

k14 - did you actually read shauns post?

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.

**k14** · 2nd September 2008, 21:20

Originally Posted by svs

k14 - did you actually read shauns post?

Yeah, my bad, CRS honda team (as already stated a different team to the one Jones raced in).

**Shaun** · 6th September 2008, 06:32

Just been talking with Midge, He has had a bad luck day at Donington so far, he did about 6 laps, and was pulling into the pits, when the engine went BANG

SO NO qualify yesterday for Midge, I believe he is still vey positive though!!!

Go hard mate.

PS PS

I have a New 600 for him, fully built to NZ spec!

Who has the funding to help get him back out here????

**johnsv650** · 7th September 2008, 08:59

is there no local guys who want a new 600 ?

**Shaun** · 7th September 2008, 09:21

Originally Posted by johnsv650

is there no local guys who want a new 600 ?

No one I can think of that can

Return phone calls

send resumes

communication to say thanks and plan for the future

And I am NO LONGER interested in wiping other peoples but, MY OWN HAS ALOT OF SHIT ON IT THESE DAYS

**CHOPPA** · 7th September 2008, 14:58

Midge qualified 28th

**CHOPPA** · 7th September 2008, 15:04

Set the same lap time on a privateer 600 as makoto tamada i think former gp winner did on his kawasaki superbike! He must be hauling, jeremy crowe who is on yrt in oz didnt make the cut

**Ivan** · 7th September 2008, 18:39

Gonna be good to see how Midge gets on give him big ups to be back out there again must be hard

Good luck

**cs363** · 8th September 2008, 19:13

Originally Posted by Shaun

I have a New 600 for him, fully built to NZ spec!
Who has the funding to help get him back out here????

There may well be/are, people/companies with the funding and the interest to do just that - BUT they won't be parting with that kind of money unless they get a very professional approach outlining the plan for the season and the promotional value to the people providing said funds.
They would also need to be assured beyond all shadow of doubt that it would be a fully professional operation.

That narrows it down (just a little....lol)

**Shaun** · 9th September 2008, 13:16

Originally Posted by cs363

There may well be/are, people/companies with the funding and the interest to do just that - BUT they won't be parting with that kind of money unless they get a very professional approach outlining the plan for the season and the promotional value to the people providing said funds.
They would also need to be assured beyond all shadow of doubt that it would be a fully professional operation.

That narrows it down (just a little....lol)

O thanks, I never would have thought of that approach hahahaha