Swann continues racing family legacy

Scott Swann is still only 23, but already carries the weight and pride of a famous Northern Ireland racing surname.

The young Carrickfergus rider is forging his own path in the British Superbike paddock, while openly acknowledging the influence of his father Michael, a multiple Irish champion and a constant guiding presence.

"I wouldn't be where I am now without him," Swann told the BBC Bikes podcast as he reflected on the emotional night his dad was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Irish motorcycling awards.

"A tear came to my eye. It felt like recognition for everything he's done for me in this paddock."

Motorcycling was unavoidable in the Swann household.

The garage was full of bikes, and the paddocks full of people asking whether Scott would follow his father. He did, and has spent a decade climbing through different classes but last winter tested him more than any race weekend.

After a promising rookie season in the British Superbike class, Swann found himself without a ride.

"I think I deserved another year," he admitted.

"It was the hardest off-season of my life. I made so many phone calls that never got answered."

The grind continued without knowing if he'd race again.

"We trained so hard and didn't have anything to train for," he continued.

His loyal sponsors, many of who had backed has dad many years before, stuck by him and with his small family-run team refusing to give up, Swann returned to the Stock 1000 class.

Then came the twist. Mid way through this season SMR Performance and BMW offered him a seat, a move he initially feared might not work.

Instead, it transformed everything. Pole position, a lap record and, despite crashing out of his first race, he was a rider who was suddenly revitalised.

He would go on to win the next race at Oulton Park and secure another pole position in the following round at Thruxton.

"It still doesn't feel like my bike - that's a good sign," he laughed before outlining his ambition.

"Nobody from Northern Ireland has ever won a British Superbike Championship. I'd love to be the first."

Swann certainly has the talent and crucially, the resolve.