OMG RACING YAMAHA WITHDRAW FROM 2025 BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE SEASON AHEAD OF FIRST TEST
It’s been announced in a shock April Fools’ Day announcement that is very much true.
The 2x Bennetts British Superbike champions OMG Racing have withdrawn from the upcoming season.
The campaign was going to see former British champion Bradley Ray, current British champion Kyle Ryde and British Superbike rookie Joe Talbot on the 3-man team. This comes just weeks after issues with their social media accounts. Alan Gardner threatened the position of stakeholders amidst the accounts being shut down.
Official Statement from OMG Racing – Tuesday 1st April 2025. Unfortunately this is not an April Fools.
“OMG Racing are deeply saddened to announce that due to significant commercial circumstances beyond our control, the reigning Champions will no longer be competing in the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Since our entry in 2018, we have strived relentlessly to become arguably the strongest team in the series. Thanks to the drive & determination of Team Principal Paul Curran & the wider team, we have achieved two Riders’ & Teams’ Championship titles. These achievements are alongside the Manufacturers’ title with Yamaha in 2024.
This was not an easy decision to make. I would personally like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Paul, Hollie & the entire team. Alongside the army of fans that have supported our journey over the last 7-seasons, I also thank our many long standing sponsors.
Alongside MSVR, we are actively pursuing alternative routes for 2024 Riders’ Champion Kyle Ryde, 2022 Riders’ Champion Bradley Ray, and Joe Talbot.
We will be contacting those of you that have booked VIP Hospitality with us during the next week to arrange alternatives or refunds as they wish.
Alan Gardner”
MSVR just prior to this, released the following statement to their social media channels. Many fans, as you can imagine – unsure if this was in the sprit of April Fools’:
MSVR statement: OMG Racing Yamaha
We have been advised today (Tuesday) by our reigning Bennetts British Superbike Championship-winning team OMG Racing Yamaha. Due to a significant unforeseen commercial matter, they are unable to participate in the 2025 Championship.
As the promoter we are both shocked and saddened by this news. Naturally, this is devastating for the team and staff with such close proximity to the start of the season. However, in terms of the riders, MSVR as the promoter is actively pursuing alternative routes for their participation this season.
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship recognise OMG Racing’s achievements since first entering the series in 2018. They celebrate title victories in 2022 and 2024.”
Yamaha UK have since commented on the withdrawal, announcing from their press office at 17:00 on Tuesday 1st April:
“OMG Racing, Yamaha Motor UK’s Supported Team in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, have today confirmed they will withdraw from the championship effective immediately for unforeseen commercial reasons.
Yamaha Motor UK would like to thank Alan Gardner and the OMG team for their hard work and efforts representing Yamaha to a high standard, not only over the 2024 season, but in the two seasons prior to that. In their time with Yamaha in BSB, OMG Racing have achieved vast levels of success. This includes taking Yamaha to championship victory in both 2022 with Bradley Ray and Kyle Ryde in 2024.
Yamaha Motor UK are in conversation with BSB promoter MSVR about the options and position in regard to the 2025 season.” Yamaha UK Press Office.
The news is a true shock to the entire of the BSB community, from fans, sponsors, other riders and beyond. Brad Perie, who is consistently victorious in the British Supersport category and back in the series with R&R Racing for 2025 commented
“It’s such a shame to see a great successful team leave the paddock along with their many talented members of staff. I hope everyone gets sorted in some form to the best they can”.
Sponsorship is an increasingly difficult topic for many teams and riders alike. Both in the British racing paddock and the road racing paddock. The cost of logistics, wages, fuel, tyres are just a small part of what goes into the running costs.
Many riders chose to allocate their number and do exclusive clubs. These clubs allow supporters a bigger insight into the race weekend with exclusive access, tickets, pictures and memorabilia. This is done as a thank you for financially supporting their season.
It costs approximately £160 in tyres and fuel to do just 1x lap of the Isle of Man TT circuit. Think of this in terms of a race team where you’ve got 3x days worth of action…without crash damages.