Nephew of Skerries Road Racer Michael "Micko" Sweeney, 18 year old Shane Sweeney is no stranger to motorbike racing. His uncle Micko a fast rider on all capacity of machine on short circuits, Irish roads, the Manx Grand Prix and now no slouch at the Isle of Man TT, and with it very much a Sweeney family set up with Shane's dad Colly always there at Micko' side, it was no wonder Shane caught the racing bug or he simply possessed the racing gene.
IrishSuperbikeRacing.com caught up with Shane for a few words regarding his racing background thus far and his plans for the 2017 season:
"I started racing in 2013 on an Aprillia in the Production 125 class and I won the MCI Southern Championship in that class in 2015. I also raced in the GP125, Supersport 400 lightweight and the Supertwin classes during this time.
I think this stood to me and for 2016 I stepped up to the Supersport Cup class on the Gem Motorcycle Workshop Suzuki GSXR 600. I had two wins and a few podium positions in this class but I did not compete a lot during the season due to the running costs of a 600 such as more expensive entries and tyres.
This year I will be riding a ER 650 stock twin we will be doing the events in Ireland and some selected events in England, if the funds are there.
We decided to go with a Production/Stock 650 twin this year as we figured it would be the most affordable for us. It will also have the speed and hopefully be able to put us back on top all going well.
We are still on the lookout for some sponsors or anyone who can help, lots of room on the bike for company/business names ! If anyone would like to help me out this year just message me on facebook or check out my racing page.
We are having a season fundraiser in Ollie's place, Skerries on Friday night the 5th of May. Tickets are available for just €10 and you will be entered into a draw to win fantastic prizes such as a 43 inch smart tv , Samsung tablet or a meal for two. Payment by PayPal is available at sweeney119@icloud.com if anyone would like to purchase a ticket this way or just message me on facebook.
Big thanks to my uncle David at Gem Workshop and my mam, dad and Kev for everything with getting the bike and getting it sorted.
Shane Sweeney #92 "
Best of luck Shane from all at IrishSuperbikeRacing.com.
Images: Jimmy Graham Photography
Words: Shane Graham IrishSuperbikeRacing.com
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