Darren Gilpin confirmed as new owner of Wilson Craig Racing team one year on from stalwart’s death

With the blessing of the Craig family, ex-racer Gilpin will continue to run the WCR Honda machines on the roads.

Gilpin has worked for the team for the past seven years and with the famous red and silver machines based at his workshop, it was a straightforward decision to assume the role of team boss.

In a new approach to the sport, the team will concentrate on bringing a newcomer through the ranks, competing in the Senior Support and Moto3 classes.

Antrim’s Stephen Smith, who previously raced on the short circuits, has joined the team and is set to make his road racing debut at the Cookstown 100 next weekend.

Smith will have two new CBR600RR Supersport machines at his disposal plus an all-new 250NSF Moto3 bike, which will be unleashed for the first time at Saturday’s short circuit meeting at Kirkistown in Co Down.

Gilpin said he was honoured to have the chance to carry on the proud racing legacy of the team.

“Having worked on the bikes at my workshop for the past number of years, it was an easy task logistically to keep things going,” he said.

“Wilson and myself had a close relationship and he gave me many opportunities to work within racing, including World Superbike, World Endurance and with the factory Honda roads team.

“For 2020 we originally planned to run Steven Smith from Antrim on the national roads and ‘Davo’ Johnson at the Classic TT on a 250 Honda, but the pandemic changed a lot of plans for everyone,” he added.

“Now we plan to compete at Kirkistown and the KDM Hire Cookstown 100 next week.”

First established in 2008, the Wilson Craig Racing team has supported a plethora of top road racers, including Keith Amor, Cameron Donald, Guy Martin, Jamie Hamilton and William Dunlop.

Wilson Craig Racing’s partners include: New Century Media, Gilpin Automotive, Vehicle Solutions, IOM Web Design, CM Performance Engineering, Honda Racing and The Autodock.