Scott’s thoughts:

“It was after the last round at Brands that the call came in from Shaun Muir at SMR Performance. He and Lewis offered me the supported BMW ride for the rest of the season and after having a quick test on the bike here at home, we worked out the details, and I accepted. The full announcement is here in my journal (link here).

From the outset, I felt more comfortable on the bike, and I also felt good working with the SMR engineers who are able to quickly interpret what I’m feeling and then fix it. This is what’s been missing so far this season as we’ve been relying on people around the paddock helping us with data and electronic setup and we’ve never quite got the bike where I wanted it to be. With the supported BMW I’m able to get what I need and that showed from the very first session. The bike is also fast and works very well!

Practice and qualifying were strong – in the top 2 or 3 places throughout with fast times and then we got the pole in qualifying. Race 1, I didn’t have the best start as it was the first time I’d race started the BMW. I spent the race settling in and learning the bike then got through to the lead and had the win in my sights. With a few laps to go I got pushed wide at Lodge and unfortunately slipped off. Not a big crash and there was nothing I could have done so it was simply unlucky. We move on.

On Sunday, we tried a few more setup changes in warm up and I felt strong leading the session timesheet. With confidence high I got a great start, led the race from start to finish and crossed the line with a 3.5 second lead. The BMW gives me so much more confidence and I’m still learning how much I can push it and trust it so there is much more to come as we spend more time on it. I had a few race strategies in my head, so I knew I had it covered even if the others had got to me for a fight. I was in the zone, hit my markers and ticked off the laps. I also learned loads about the bike so we’re in a great place.

Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to Shaun and Lewis Muir at SMR Performance for giving me this fantastic opportunity to show what I’m truly capable of. Secondly, I want to thank my current sponsors for all being so understanding and for coming across with me to this new arrangement, particularly Rosewood Bespoke Joinery as my entrant. Finally, to Paul, Dad and the boys and all those around me, who pulled this first half of the season together from nothing to get me out there. We knew we needed to be racing to be seen and we did exactly that. Thank you!

The next round is Thruxton in a few weeks and I’m fast there so I’m super-excited. Let’s go!”