Shiptonthorpe rider Tom Grant returns to SMT Honda this weekend at Oulton Park replacing the still-injured Adam Jenkinson.
Grant was the first rider to step into the team after Jenkinson's crash at the beginning of the season with which he obtained positive results at the previous round at Oulton Park and Donington, but due to lack of personal funding he could not continue.
Prior to this weekend riders Sean Emmett and Marshall Neill have taken the seat, but Robin Croft has drafted back 20 year old Tom Grant without the requirement of his own financial support. Grant will continue to race until further notice, but is a certain for Knockhill.
Grant said: “It is good to be back, I've had two months not riding and just training, there was nothing about, then this ride came up again and I was invited back. I had booked a holiday to Ayia Napa with Tommy Hill and was supposed to fly this week, but there was no way I was passing up this opportunity, I can holiday anytime.”
Grant's racing career initially was between the age of four and seven in motocross, he then took up road racing at 15 on a 125cc before progressing onto the 600cc mid way through 2005. He won the 2006 R6 Cup Championship before competing in the European Superstock last season.
Grant said: “My European experience was a mistake, live and learn. I didn't gel with the team and I wasn't on competitive bike at that time. It doesn't look good for you if you are always running at the back, even if it's down to the machinery.”
Talking about his future and his weekend so far he said: “It is good, I need to find my feet, but the bike is working great, it is exactly how it was when I last rode. It's just down to me, I know I can get a top 12.”
“I am looking for a permanent ride even for the remainder of the season for after when Adam is back. I would like to stay in BSB, but I would look at else where, it would depend on the team and it has to be able to be competitive.”