Motorbikes: Swann is right on track

Scott Swann, from Magheramorne, began racing motorbikes at the tender age of six on a 50cc KTM at grasstrack meetings. He moved up to the 65cc class for three years where he won the MCCNI 65cc championship in 2013. He then jumped to the 85cc class in 2014.
By Maurice Montgomery
Published 27th Jun 2015, 06:00 BST
Mike and Scott Swann. INLT 26-928-CONMike and Scott Swann. INLT 26-928-CON
Mike and Scott Swann. INLT 26-928-CON

With his father Mike, a multi Ulster and Irish champion on tracks, it was no surprise Scott would be drawn to the tarmac, and with Mike running the MCUI training classes, it was too good an opportunity for him to miss.

The chance came at the start of this season, and on a 125 Aprilia, borrowed from Ivan Kerr, the Year 8 Carrick College pupil made his first outing.

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Although there were a few problems with the bike the youngster enjoyed the experience and wanted more. The only problem was finance. “We just couldn’t afford to do both the motocross and short circuits so Scott had to make a choice,” said Mike. “He picked the short circuits and on Easter Monday made his debut.

“I told him to be careful and remember what he had learned. He crashed out at the first left-hander in timed practice but from the back of the grid he finished eighth in race two,” recalled a proud Mike.

Although they had intended to do only selected meetings in what was Scott’s first season, it was decided after Kirkistown that he was good enough to compete in the full season.

The MX bike was parked and Scott set out on what has become a very successful debut in the 125 Aprilia class. His first front row start came at Kirkistown on June 6 in the fourth race meeting of the season and he went on to take both wins in the Aprilia 125 class.

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At the most recent round of the series at Mondello Park, he was in top form winning three Aprilia races and in the fourth was challenging the Kawasaki 300cc riders, who are out in the same race, when he fell off, thankfully uninjured.

“I raced plenty in my time but my nerves are wrecked, it scares the life out a me,” said Mike.

Scot heads to Bishopscourt this weekend for the next round of the championship where is lies second behind Shane Sweeney.

Scott said: “I really love track racing and can’t wait for the next race. I have always watched the MotoGPs on TV and enjoyed them but now after racing on the tracks myself it all makes sense and I can understand why they are doing things.

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“It’s a pity I missed the two races at the start of the year at Mondello as I could have been a lot closer to Shane now in the title race. I would love to do the superteens series in England next season.”