SMT Racing will make their return to the Isle of Man TT races this June, joining forces with 23-time winner John McGuinness for the two Monster Energy Supersport races. McGuinness will pilot the team’s 600cc Honda in the two four-lap races.
It will be five years since SMT Racing, owned by businessman and long-time road racing enthusiast Robin Croft, contested the TT but he and McGuinness are no strangers to each other with the Morecambe Missile riding for the team at the Macau Grand Prix between 2010 and 2012.
The combination of McGuinness and SMT Racing scored three top seven finishes back then and McGuinness and Croft have remained in contact ever since, with the latter assisting John in his Ducati TriOptions Cup campaigns in 2020 and 2021.
“We are delighted to be back at the TT this year after last competing in 2017 and are thrilled to be working with John again,” said Croft. “The TT is the premier road racing event and remains the event closest to my heart, so I am excited to be back.”
Speaking about the deal, which will also see Blue Earth Construction sponsor him, McGuinness added: “Robin and I have enjoyed some good days in the past, so I’m delighted he’s backing my TT campaign. Being out in the two Supersport races was vital to me as you can’t afford to miss any practice sessions or track time nowadays.”
“We’ve put together a good package; the CBR600RR Honda will be more than competitive and I’ve got a good little team around me, so it complements my rides with Honda Racing in the 1000cc races really well. I’m confident we’ll give a good account of ourselves and am just looking forward to getting going.”