Crescent Suzuki from Ringwood will unleash a dazzling new all-British line- up on the Superbike Championship next year.

And Hampshire motor cycle road-race fans won't have long to wait before savouring the prospect.

Scott Smart has joined forces with 2004 BSB champion John Reynolds and the pair will be at Thruxton for round two on April 10.

Scott's arrival in the Rizla-backed Crescent Suzuki team is terrific news.

The team were disappointed by the loss of the popular, hugely talented Japanese rider Yukio Kagayama, who is moving on to another ride within the Suzuki factory set-up, but they couldn't have found a better replacement.

Smart, nephew of the late, great Barry Sheene, was the sensation of the 2004 championship, winning three times for the private Hawk Kawasaki teams against the might of Suzuki and Honda, who had full backing from the factory.

The death of Sheene from cancer last year inspired Smart to heights few thought him capable, but the 28-year-old from York is a seasoned campaigner.

He's an ex British Super Teen and 250cc champion as well as a GP racer and is only starting to realise his full potential on a superbike.

He and triple BSB champion Reynolds will be aboard the new, lighter, more powerful and aerodynamically efficient GSX-R1000 which goes on sale in 2005.

Smart said: "Getting the ride with Rizla Suzuki was like Christmas coming early for me," They are a fantastic team, the most professional in the paddock.

"Like everyone else in BSB, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Yukio Kagayama and I 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."

Team owner Paul Denning said: "It's a real boost to the team to secure the services of one of the best upcoming Superbike riders in the world."

There's a tremendous Superbike season in prospect with twice British Supersports champion Karl Harris moving up to join Michael Rutter and Ryuchi Kiyonari at Honda and Sean Emmett switching from Ducati to head up the Virgin Yamaha team.

2005 dates: Brands Hatch - March 28, Thruxton - April 10, Mallory Park - April 24, Oulton Park - May 2, Mondello - May 15, Croft - June 5, Knockhill - June 26, Snetteton - July 10, Oulton Park - July 24, Silverstone - August 21, Cadwell Park - August 29, Brands Hatch (GP) - September 11, Donington - September 25.