Thompson is hoping to prove he is ‘hot property’ after new sponsorship deal

The Crumlin rider, who will ride for the Bathams BMW team alongside Michael Rutter at the international road races this season, is delighted to announce Philip Tweedie & Company as new sponsors.

“I’m very grateful for the sponsorship, it’s all greatly appreciate in this day and age. Everything is very expensive especially motor bike racing,” Thompson told Times Sport.

“Obviously the North west is on their doorstep so hopefully they’ll be keeping an eye out for me on race day.

“Hopefully I can repay them with a few good performances during the week.”

Thompson is delighted to link up with good mate Rutter, who has a wealth of knowledge around the Triangle circuit.

“The bikes looks absolutely class in the black livery and I’ve a Superstock bike as well, which I’ve managed to run in already,” he said.

“Michael [Rutter] played a big role in getting this all sorted out for me so I owe him a few pints.

“Michael helped organise a lot of stuff for me, I’ve known him a long time and he’s a good guy. There’s no better guy to learn off that’s for sure.

“We were going round in practice last year and I was able to pick up a few wee things off him.”

“It’s a new bike I’ve got and we haven’t had a lot of time to set it up I more or less went straight into the first race as it was.

“I’ve had three sixth place finishes over Easter, but the last race I was dicing for third.

“As with any new nike there is always teething problems but we’re not far off, it should be okay round the North West, it certainly feels very fast. It’s just the handling, if it handles well then it should be very fast.

“It’s just a matter of getting it set up right and obviously the weather can change in an instant so you have to change things as you go.

“I have two races on Thursday night and four races on Saturday so it will be a busy week for me.”

David McCombe, Associate Partner at Philip Tweedie said they were delighted to link up with Stephen.

“Stephen is an accomplished racer with a ruthless work ethic and enthusiasm for all things racing and beyond alongside a salacious appetite for winning,” he said.

“This partnership is firmly in line with our commitment to support home grown talent and supporting sport in the local community and we look forward to working with Stephen and his team.

Philip Tweedie & Company offer residential and commercial sales, lettings and management services, providing an innovative approach to ensure clients receive the highest level of service possible.

Combining a wealth of property experience and knowledge we offer a range of professional services and have become established with most of the major banks and lending institutions providing advice on a full range of property types across Northern Ireland.

“We also provide specialist advice on development and investment appraisals and with three offices situated in prime locations, Philip Tweedie & Company is a one stop shop for all your property needs.

“Philip Tweedie & Company wish Stephen all the best for the season ahead and look forward to working with him throughout the year.”