Former grand prix and MCE British Superbike rider Scott Smart will withdraw from regular competition at the age of 38 after being appointed the new technical director for the World Superbike Championship.

Smart joins the series at a tough time with the class being split between the normal FIM-spec rules and BSB-style in 2014 with a view to it moving to more cost-effective platform the following season.

The Kent man has a background in physics and mathematics, and not only makes a large percentage of the wiring looms for BSB teams but was also drafted into the PBM MotoGP team at the end of last season as Michael Laverty's crew chief.

"It is an exciting time but one tinged with a little sadness as I will now have to hang up the old leathers and take on my first proper job," joked Smart, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

"The transition from full FIM-spec Superbike rules into a more cost-effective solution is going to be an interesting and tough period but I was part of the BSB changeover and did a lot of the electronics work with Motec at Moto Rapido Ducati, so I am fully aware of the task we are facing in World Superbikes."

Smart did have an option to race with the TAG team in BSB for 2014 and were a long way down the road with the planning before the WSBK opportunity came along.

"I did have an option to have one last crack at BSB with the TAG Racing team in 2014 but opportunities like this come up only once in a lifetime so I have grabbed it with both hands.

"I am not going to hang up my leathers full time as there is scope for me to test with TAG who couldn't have been more helpful in recent weeks. In all honesty they were amazing, I discussed it with them and they simply said I had all time I needed to decide. There is a chance I could put in some appearances in BSB next year should the need arise."