IN Competition Sencat has announced an expanded support class line-up ahead of the 2025 season to join the team alongside Lewis Rollo in the Bennetts British Superbike class with Lee Johnston and Freddie Barnes competing in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship.
Team owners Ian and Myra Newton from IN Competition have merged with Swan Racing team owners Chris and Wendy Barnes to further strengthen their line up into the Quattro Plant British Supersport class and the R&G British Talent Cup.
Johnston will return to the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship on the team’s Triumph 765 as he aims for a podium return in 2025. Joining him in the Supersport class will be 17-year-old Freddie Barnes, who continues to develop in the class.
Meanwhile in the R&G British Talent Cup, 16-year-old Charlie Barnes represents the team and in the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship, the team will also continue to support Alfie Davidson, after his fifth place in this year’s standings.
Johnston said “I’m excited to get my plans finalised for 2025. After racing for the same team for so many years, it has felt strange speaking to other teams again, but Chris was one of the first people I spoke to.
“After speaking with other teams, it cemented my feeling this is where I wanted to be and that’s for several reasons. The passion and commitment he has already shown to the sport and also their plans moving forwards, with one of them me being involved in Freddie’s racing career and sharing some of my knowledge to get him to where he is a capable of being. So, all this really excites me and motivates me going into next season and I’d like to thank the team for this opportunity.”
Freddie Barnes said: “I can’t wait to work with the IN Competition Sencat team again and my new team-mate, Lee. I want to make some big steps forward next year so keep your eyes peeled for another amazing season. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Charlie Barnes added: “Coming into 2025 with a new team that have already given me a warm welcome is motivation to train extra hard for 2025. I want to continue where I left at the end of the season and get some strong results.”
Team Owner Ian Newton commented: “It is great to merge with Swan Racing and increase our team riders. It will be a great addition to the team having Lee on board and we are looking forward to help develop Freddie and Charlie throughout the year. It is good to have the knowledge and experience of Lee and Lewis, and we know they will help improve the skills of the two younger riders. We are very much looking forward to 2025.”
Chris Barnes on behalf of SENCAT concluded: “2024 has been amazing, however in order to move forward for 2025 a team merger between IN Competition and Swan Racing both backed by SENCAT has taken place.
“This is a joint venture with Ian and Myra Newton (IN Competition) and Chris Barnes (Swan Racing), so with this exciting opportunity for the team to merge formally and bring together not only a full Superbike team, but a two rider Supersport team and British Talent Cup rider plus supporting Alfie in the Sportbike class. It is set to be another thrilling season with experienced and up and coming talent working together, which is what it is all about.
“Lee will be a great addition to the team for 2025 and we are very much looking forward to working with him and getting some strong results throughout the season.”