Grant to deputise for Jenko - EXCLUSIVE.

Grant was among many riders that contacted team owner Robin Croft after the news that injuries sustained by Jenkinson in his 140mph Thruxton crash would keep him out of the championship for at least two rounds.

The 19-year-old was originally intending to compete in European Superstock this year but that deal fell through and the Yorkshireman appeared at Thruxton for the first round of BSB on a Supersport Yamaha hired through his former team- boss Rob McElnea.

Grant achieved a solid sixth place on the high speed Hampshire circuit and rang Croft earlier this week to put his name in the hat to ride the SMT Honda Superbike at Oulton Park.

"I am over the moon to be offered this opportunity," revealed Grant exclusively to crash.net today. "I rang up Robin on Monday morning and was offered the ride later on that day. It's a great chance for me to showcase my talent as I haven't got a full time ride for the rest of the year."

After winning the R6 Cup, Grant was offered a ride in the Virgin Media Supersport team as his prize, finishing seventh in the championship in 2007.

A bonus of being in the team was the chance to ride the Yamaha superbike campaigned by Tommy Hill in 2007 and Grant had three test outings on the slick-shod machine through the year.

"I have some experience of riding on slicks, so I know how it all feels. I rode one of Tommy's bikes at Cadwell, scaring a load of track day punters! Then later on rode at Mallory but it was wet."

The youngster is hoping for a couple of top ten results at Oulton, saying: "That would be ideal and the ride so far is on a round by round basis, we'll see how I get on at Oulton and take it from there."

Team owner Robin Croft revealed to crash.net that he had many calls from riders with Superbike experience but that the team wanted to continue promoting younger talent and that's why they went with Grant.

"We really wanted to put someone younger on the bike," said Croft. "Tom is the perfect candidate. He has a bit of superbike experience and for sure we want him to get some good points at Oulton."

Both 2007 Honda machines have been repaired following the problems at Thruxton but as Croft says: "I can tell you I won't be going on holiday this year for sure, it's been expensive!"

Croft was also able to reveal to crash.net readers that Jenkinson will be at Oulton. His broken wrist is in a fixator cage and he will be visiting BSB doctor Toby Branfoot to get a clear idea of his return date.

"Adam has been in very good spirits," said Croft. "He is really looking forward to the weekend. Eurosport have said they want to interview him and he will be helping Tom at the circuit."

Jenkinson will also be assisting the team's new Superstock 600 rider Christian Iddon as he makes his first appearance in the British championship.

Iddon, son of former 80's factory Suzuki racer Paul Iddon, is a factory Aprilia Supermoto rider and makes his official road racing debut for the SMT team this weekend.