From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SMART SIGNS FOR RIZLA SUZUKI
Team Suzuki Press Office – October 19, 2004.

Scott Smart will join reigning British Superbike Champion John Reynolds in the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team in 2005.

Smart takes the vacant seat left by fans favourite Yukio Kagayama (pictured) who has dazzled the British crowds on his Rizla blue GSX-R1000 for the last two-years. Yuki ingrained himself in the hearts of the British public with his dramatic sideways racing style, quick-witted humour and determination to race again after a life-threatening crash at Cadwell Park in 2003. Yuki remains a Suzuki Factory rider and close friend of the Crescent Rizla Suzuki squad and is looking forward to 2005 and new challenges.

Smart (28) from York was the revelation of the 2004 British Superbike Championship, taking three wins and fourth place overall on a development Kawasaki race bike.

An ex-British Super Teen and 250cc Champion as well as GP racer, Scott has the riding experience to match his determination to win and is only starting to realise his full potential on a Superbike.

Scott and triple BSB Champion JR will be a formidable team in BSB, with both racers eager to start developing the new lighter, more powerful and aerodynamically efficient GSX-R1000 that will go on sale in 2005.

He will make his debut appearance for Rizla Suzuki at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s NEC on November 4th and 5th when he joins JR on the Suzuki stand.

Scott Smart:

“Getting the ride with Rizla Suzuki was like Christmas coming early for me and I haven’t stopped smiling. Rizla Suzuki is a fantastic team and the most professional in the paddock. It thoroughly deserved to take the Championship in 2004 – and now I am part of that and will take this opportunity with both hands and go for it!

“I left Kawasaki on the very best of terms. I enjoyed my time there and now I am focussed 110 per cent on learning from JR the Champion and helping Rizla Suzuki to develop the new GSX-R1000 into a race winner.

“Like everyone else in BSB, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Yuki and know I have big boots to fill, but with his and Rizla Suzuki’s support, I am sure I will be up for the job.”

Paul Denning, team owner:

“It is a real boost to the team to secure the services of one of the best upcoming Superbike riders in the world and I am looking forward to seeing what Scott can achieve on our Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000.

“Yuki is moving on to other business with the Suzuki Factory but in our hearts he remains a part of the Crescent and Rizla Suzuki team and always will be. He has plans to visit us in the UK next year and maintain the friendships he has forged with the whole team and its supporters.”