Scott Smart has called time on his British Superbike Championship career.

After experiencing two difficult years with the Hawk Kawasaki team, the 32-year-old has decided to quit after six years in the series.

Smart’s Hawk team opted for the pairing of Tristan Palmer and John Laverty for the 2009 season and the Maidstone racer will now seek a ride in the less prestigious Superstock Championship.

He said: "I’m totally gutted to not be racing in the Superbike Championship next year but there’s not a lot I can do about it."

Smart had a miserable 2008 season where he finished 15th in the championship – 20th and 21st place finishes at the final round

at Brands Hatch summed up his year.

He added: "When things are going well it’s the best job in the world but when they’re not, it’s horrid and things haven’t been great in the last couple of years.

"I’ve been riding a poor bike for the last few years and didn’t want to do that again.

"At the moment I’m talking with a couple of Superstock teams. It’s not quite what I wanted but the last couple of years have been pretty stressful for me."

He is now looking forward to enjoying racing again but not so keen to be starting a regular job.

"It’s horrifying," admitted Smart, who is hoping to start a career in IT. "Things are definitely going to be different this year."