Huddersfield racer Kyle Smith scored his first World Superport win – and celebrated with confirming his new ride for the 2016 season.
Despite being told he didn’t have a place in the team with Pata Honda for next year, the 24-year-old from Fenay Bridge turned on the style to top the podium in the final round of the World Superbikes Championship at the Losail International circuit in Qatar.
Smith is now pencilled in to again ride a Honda next season, but this time in the colours of the Simon Buckmaster team.
Taking a race win having started sixth on the grid Smith, who has been based in Spain since the age of seven, showed plenty of courage in coming through the field and holding off the challenge of world champion Kenan Sofuoglu to claim victory – and ensure his rookie season in World Supersport yielded a fifth place finish in the standings.
“I had no idea I might win,” said Smith.
“Kenan had such fast pace in qualifying I thought I could run for the podium positions but I didn’t think I could beat him.
“A few laps in I felt really comfortable with the CBR and felt like I had the pace, so I just pushed all the way to the end.
“I felt good in the early laps but struggled to get past PJ Jacobsen – so it was a big surprise.”
Even though it was Smith’s final outing with Pata Honda he was more than happy with the work done to get his bike set up to winning requirements.
“We made a big change for this race – something we haven’t tried all season – but it definitely made a big improvement,” said Smith.
“I knew Kenan was behind me for the last couple of laps, and he’s not a good man to have behind you!
“But I just kept my head down and tried to make no mistakes and came home with a victory and I’m just so happy.
“I want to thank all the guys at Ten Kate and Honda and I hope to be up on the podium again next season.”
