The hard work and commitment that set Rory Skinner up for brilliant Bennetts British Superbikes start

Rory Skinner’s smile at the conclusion of the weekend told its own story.

He had, after all, just opened the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season in style with a curtain-raising third place podium and two fourths at the renowned Silverstone circuit.

“Couldn’t be happier” was the message from the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki rider following a performance of craft and skill. The strong opening - he is third overall in the championship behind Glenn Irwin and Kyle Ryde after event one - would not have come as a massive surprise to many.

It was the by-product of months of hard work on and off the track which has led Skinner to feeling fitter than ever before and in a relaxed state of mind. Of course, his passion for mountain biking played its part.

He has also taken a backseat from working in the family-run shop - Skinner Motorcycles - with dad Mike to turn full concentration to his racing.

Home, however, will always be where the heart is and one key driving motivating factor continues to be the chance, every time he takes to the track, to make his parents proud.

“I stopped working with my dad after the final round of last year and fully applied myself to the racing,” Skinner explained to the Perthshire Advertiser yesterday.

“It’s obviously tough for him because it’s a family-run business and it’s been me and dad for the last few years in Perth.

“My mum and dad have put so much into my racing over the years. They saw this as my opportunity to really shine and push myself to be the best I can be, so I’m really motivated.

“I’ve got the opportunity now where I can go full-time. I’m lucky enough to be in the position to do that with my racing and just train every day.

“It’s a bit different now and I can now look after myself.