Irish riders featured in British Talent Cup ahead of the British MotoGP round

Irish riders selected for the “British Talent Cup” – the stepping stone to Dorna’s Road to MotoGP program.

Both Oisin Maher and Rhys Irwin have been selected to enter the British Talent cup which will be hosted tomorrow Wednesday August 23^rd ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Successful candidates will race the 2018 BTC season on existing Dorna run events like MotoGP and the Motul FIM World Superbike championship.

KTM ambassador Jeremy McWilliams and MotoGP talent spotter Alberto Puig will judge the 90 riders selected to take part of the event contested on Honda Moto3 bikes around the Northamptonshire track.

Below is a brief profile of all Irish nominees.

Rhys Irwin is currently contesting the Irish Masters, competing in the Supetwins series on the Aprilia 450RRV, as well as regular visits to the UK circuits that host the Thundersports championships.

Oisin is a Junior Cup rider in the Irish Masters meetings but, also competes in the National short circuits and is a podium regular.

Luke Clements competes in the Irish Masters Championship on a GP125 Moto3 bike.

Cameron Dawson also races in the Irish Masters series on an Aprilia RS125.

Sam Laffins races a KTM RC390 in the BSB Support series, the Santander Consumer Finance KTM British Junior Cup

Scott Swann son of Michael Swann raced last year in the KTM British Junior Cup and this year has progressed to the HEL Performance Motostar British Championship and the current weapon of choice is the Honda NSF250GP Moto3 bike.

Andrew Smyth rides a 300 Kawasaki and currently leads the Irish and Ulster Junior Cup Championship. From Aughnacloy, the 14 year old is currently mentored by Glenn Irwin.

Previously named the Red Bull rookie cup, past entrants include Johann Zarco, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales and Marc Marquez.

Words: Andy Quinn

Images courtesy of BTC, KJC Prints, Stephen Higgins and Bonnie Lane Photography