Swann maintaining family name after stellar 2024

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 a big way in two-wheel motorsport.

Now 21-year-old county Antrim rider Scott Swann is following in the wheeltracks of his decorated father Michael and preparing to follow a stellar year in the National Superstock Championship by competing in the premier British Superbike class on short circuits next season.

Scott won five individual races in the season that has just ended and finished third in the series standings, behind champion Davey Todd and runner-up Joe Talbot.

"Definitely the best season I've ever had racing," is how Swann junior summed up his campaign on the Honda Fireblade.

"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 on board the Honda Fireblade on which he finished third in the National Superstock series

Scott credits some sound advice from brothers Glenn and Andrew Irwin, both regular BSB competitors, in helping him become more competitive during 2024.

"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."

Swann battled with eventual champion Davey Todd in the final race of the Superstock 1000c season at Brands Hatch, with the result in doubt until the final dash to the line.

"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 performances have earned Scott a ride in next year's BSB championship but he is still unable to say for which team and with which manufacturer he will be competing.

"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."

Swann in action at Saturday's Sunflower Trophy meeting at Bishopscourt as he leads Sunflower Trophy winner Charlie Nesbitt

Scott's father Michael enjoyed a successful career on the track, collecting 12 Irish championships, so is in a good position to pass on his knowledge and experience.

“I grew up going to the races with him – I always saw the trophies in the house, was running around trying his leathers on," reflects Scott.

"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 explains that he, his son and their team "had certain expectations" for 2024 because he "finished 2023 very well", but admitted those hopes were exceeded.

"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."

Northern Ireland's former grand prix competitor and North West 200 winner Jeremy McWilliams believes Scott "deserves everything he gets".

"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."