BSB veterans Smart and Richards return for Oulton

BSB veterans and former British champions Scott Smart and Glen Richards will be reunited this weekend as teammates, as the pair rejoin the MCE British Superbike series to deputise for the injured Richard Cooper and Mitchell Carr at Anvil Hire TAG Kawasaki.

The duo, who were last teammates for Hawk Kawasaki a decade ago in the series, bring five titles between them, with Smart adding his 250cc crown to the Australian’s four titles in Superbike Evo, Supersport and Superstock.

Richards said: “I am really looking forward to getting out there again this weekend. I last rode a Superbike in 2011 and that was in Evo, so I think it will be a case of seeing what we can do this weekend. I am going into the weekend with an open mind and myself and Smarty are both going in at the deep end together so at least I am not a lone ranger!

“I really wanted to have a few rides this year, so to be out in Superbike again is exciting, even if it is a bit crazy to come back out straight away into a triple-header at Oulton Park! There is one thing I will say, though, and that is I don’t care what happens as long as I beat Smarty!”

Smart said: “I am excited about the weekend because although I have ridden the bike for a handful of laps recently, I haven’t raced since last year, but I suppose a baptism of fire is the best way! It isn’t going to be easy, but I am looking forward to working with the team and Glen because this year is the tenth anniversary of us being team-mates at Kawasaki in 2004 and that in itself is cool. We both don’t want to be beaten by one another, so we will be pushing each other on. I think both myself and Glen are of the belief that if you are going to do something you might as well commit yourself in style and where better than at one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar, Oulton Park!”

Team owner Rob Winfield concluded: “It is always difficult when you have riders out through injury, but the Anvil Hire TAG Kawasaki team are looking forward to working with Glen and Scott this weekend. They are both great riders with a huge amount of experience and it seems fitting that they are reunited as team-mates for the first time since 2004 at Oulton Park. We want to keep building and pushing to move closer to the front so I am glad that we have their talent onboard with us this weekend.”