After a two-year sabbatical for family reasons, Retford motorcycle racer Scott Stone has made a successful return to the racetracks.
Scott, who won the No Limits Racing 600cc Premier Championship in 2021 with 15 wins and four second places from 20 races, re-entered the racing scene with a new Yamaha R1 for 2024. His focus this year has been on regaining race fitness and experience on the bigger bike, while participating in a few rounds of the No Limits 1000cc Premier Championship.
In March, at Snetterton, Scott stepped in for an absentee rider with the local Team #500 – ‘Plenty in the Tank, Sir’ – and achieved success in the 3-hour Endurance Race under challenging, blustery conditions. At Cadwell Park in May, Scott faced highly variable weather. Despite a wet Race 1 where he secured a class win, he had to retire from Race 2 due to tyre issues. However, he rebounded with a convincing class win in the dry Race 3, setting a new Personal Best time on the R1.
The success at Cadwell, coupled with an intensive coaching day with Gary Walton from Not So Fast Rider Training and support from his fans, encouraged Scott to extend his season. He decided to compete in additional events at Croft, Brands Hatch, and Oulton Park. Notably, he also entered the BMCRC’s July meeting at Cadwell Park in their premier MRO Powerbikes races.
Despite unpredictable weather, which ranged from sunshine to torrential rain, Scott delivered impressive performances. In his Saturday afternoon race on a soaking track, he initially built a significant lead before the race was halted due to an oil spill. The following morning, after the track was cleared, Scott made a strong comeback, finishing with over two seconds to spare. In Race 2, he faced a tough challenge from Morgan Creasey but managed to secure the win by 0.39 seconds after a dramatic final lap.
Looking ahead, Scott plans to mount a full campaign in 2025 by racing in the No Limits Premier 1000 Championship and aims to participate in a couple of rounds of the British Superbike support races. He acknowledges the support he has received, particularly from his constant companion, Jason Hugill, and the preparation of the R1 by Joe Richardson of JR Performance, Tuxford. He also thanks Gary Walton for his exceptional coaching, as well as local businesses RT Motors and Carlton Auto Finishers, along with family and friends.