Scott Swann to Compete in British Superbike Class After Outstanding 2024 Season

Scott Swann was a double Superbike winner at the Sunflower Trophy meeting. The Dunlop dynasty is renowned in motorcycle racing circles around the world, while the Rea and Irwin families from Northern Ireland have made their mark in two-wheel motorsport. Now, 21-year-old County Antrim rider Scott Swann is set to follow in the footsteps of his accomplished father, Michael, by moving up to the premier British Superbike (BSB) class on short circuits next season, building on a remarkable year in the National Superstock Championship. Swann secured five individual race victories during the recently concluded season, ultimately finishing third in the series standings, behind champion Davey Todd and runner-up Joe Talbot. Reflecting on his performance aboard the Honda Fireblade, Swann junior described his campaign as “Definitely the best season I’ve ever had racing.” He further elaborated, “The most enjoyable year I’ve had on a motorbike but also the hardest in terms of effort and time and sacrifices to get to this point. I’ve had so much focus and determination every time I’ve gone out and I’ve loved riding the bike. The team and the machine all gelled together.” Scott Swann, who finished third in the National Superstock series on his Honda Fireblade, attributes some of his increased competitiveness in 2024 to valuable advice from brothers Glenn and Andrew Irwin, both established BSB competitors. Swann stated, “The biggest difference has been my mindset coming into every race. I’ve had good results, podiums and poles before but I’ve managed to put everything together now. I have to say thank you to Glenn and Andrew who have coached me a bit on how you need to approach races.” In the final Superstock 1000c season race at Brands Hatch, Swann engaged in a close battle with eventual champion Davey Todd, with the outcome uncertain until the very last dash to the finish line. Regarding that victory, Swann remarked, “It was an absolute dream [to finish with a win]. I left it to the last lap and the drag to the line was probably the longest I’ve ever experienced. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m as good as him but it’s just about experience. It’s good for me to race against people like that, either battling with them or beating them.” His strong performances have secured Scott a spot in next year’s BSB championship, though he is currently unable to disclose the specific team or manufacturer he will be representing. Swann expressed his anticipation, saying, “With this season and what I’ve shown, I’ve got a good chance to move up to the Superbike class with a good Superbike team and some good support too. I’m looking forward to that, I can’t say what the team is yet but I am going Superbike racing next year. I’ll have to put a lot more effort in next year and I’m looking forward to trying to learn.” Scott’s father, Michael, who enjoyed a successful racing career with 12 Irish championships, is well-placed to share his extensive knowledge and experience. Scott was also seen in action at Saturday’s Sunflower Trophy meeting at Bishopscourt, leading Sunflower Trophy winner Charlie Nesbitt. Scott reflected on his father’s influence: “I grew up going to the races with him – I always saw the trophies in the house, was running around trying his leathers on. He has made all this happen. He is so chilled and relaxed. He knows loads and loads about the mental side of racing and he’s the only one can fully understand me and what I’m thinking. The effort he has put in is unbelievable. My career is as much his career. It’s like we are both doing this together and next year will maybe take some pressure off him. Hopefully he can take a step back.” Michael Swann indicated that he, his son, and their team “had certain expectations” for 2024, given Scott “finished 2023 very well,” but acknowledged that these hopes were surpassed. Michael elaborated, “To win the championship would have been nice but we didn’t expect him to be where he was or as fast as he was. If you want to ride a Superbike all you can do is show people how fast you can be on a Superstock. At every circuit he was under the lap record, he won in the wet, he won in the dry, he came through from the back to the front, he led races. You hope somebody will spot him and maybe give you a go on a Superbike.” Jeremy McWilliams, a former grand prix competitor and North West 200 winner from Northern Ireland, believes Scott “deserves everything he gets.” McWilliams added, “He made the breakthrough, things fell into place for him and he has gone from strength to strength. It’s great to see because he’s a lovely lad, he’s from a lovely family. He’s quite versatile. He can ride anything and I think he can make the jump [to a Superbike] if he’s with the right team and has the right support around him.”