Britain’s Kyle Smith is looking for a ride after a deal with 2019 employer Pedcercini fell through.

The talented rider, who is a past WorldSSP race winner, does not have funds or sponsors to pay for a seat in 2020 and father Gary is struggling to find a way forward.

“After being promised a ride with the same team from last year he was looking forward and turned down all other offers,” he said.

“Kyle believed everything was OK until January, but due to unforeseen circumstances he and the team parted. Then he was offered the Superbike ride for Pedercini, which he believed he had until this weekend, so he is now available to ride or fill in for any team.

“Each year is more difficult, with less free rides and the price the riders have to pay just goes up.

“When you have world champions paying in the hundreds of thousands to ride, you don’t stand much chance when you don’t have money or a sponsor. Talent is being overtaken by being able to pay. I remember Kyle being told after winning that he would be OK but it makes no difference.”