Bikes: What is next for Rory Skinner?

Now left without a ride for 2024, what is next for Rory Skinner?

Rory Skinner was given the opportunity in 2022 to make the jump from British Superbikes to Moto2. Initially, he signed a two-year deal with the American Racing team. However, he would not last with the team for two years.

After a change in teammates mid-season, Marcos Ramirez joined Skinner at the team – replacing Sean Dylan Kelly. At the end of the season, Rory finished the year 28^th in the standings.

For 2024, the team signed Joe Roberts, who returned to the American Racing team after three years with Italtrans. The news would later break that Skinner would also be replaced next season by Marcos Ramirez. With Sam Lowes also leaving Grand Prix, the only British rider in the intermediate class next year will be Jake Dixon.

This was due to a performance clause in the contract, allowing the American Racing team to let go of Skinner after one year. The clause in the contract was that Skinner had to be inside the top 20 in the standings by Misano – Skinner was 31st at the time.

Speaking to MCN, team boss Eitan Butbul said: “We gave Rory a huge opportunity to come and ride for free and have a small salary so he could hold himself rather than being dependant on sponsorship or family. There was a benchmark, but we can see it’s quite far away.”

“We’re here to win, to be competitive; it’s a race team, not a boot camp. We’ve been here five years, and we want to win the championship or be fighting at the top. I’ve seen the criticism, but people must understand we gave him a chance that nobody else gave him in the paddock.”

What is next for the Scotsman?

John Hopkins (Skinner’s manager) did everything he could to keep Skinner in the team and is now looking at other options. Hopkins did look at finding a space for Skinner in the JuniorGP paddock – racing in the European Moto2 Championship. However, these rumours have stopped with a look at Superbike paddocks.

World Supersport was another option for Skinner, with a handful of seats remaining at the end of 2023. Now, the World Supersport entry list has been revealed with the Scotsman’s name not on it.

A return to BSB?

There was also the opportunity for Skinner to return to the British Superbike paddock with a handful of seats remaining. The Scotsman has had previous success in the Championship, finishing on the podium five times in 2022.

There are still multiple rides available in the British Superbike paddock, with Lee Hardy Racing parting ways with Bradley Perie. This ride would be on a Kawasaki, which Skinner has previously raced on.

Another ride that could be available for 2024 is with TAS Racing, riding their BMW M 1000 RR. The team has already signed the successful Davey Todd, leaving a seat available at the team after the departure of Danny Buchan as he moves to DAO Racing.

The rumours of a move to TAS Racing began and were fuelled at the start of January when Skinner was riding in Spain. Skinner was riding with Lee Johnston and Oliver Barr on track at Andalucía and was also riding the BMW M 1000 RR.

Although nothing is confirmed, a return back to Britain is looking likely with a lack of seats in World Champion. If Skinner were to return to British Championship he would instantly be a fan favourite for the title.

Image credit: britishsuperbike.com