Rich Energy OMG Racing has confirmed it will make its belated road racing debut at the 2022 Isle of Man TT and NorthWest 200 after retaining James Hillier and David Johnson on riding duties across three classes.
The leading Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) outfit had planned to expand its racing commitments to include road competitions in 2020 when it was aligned with BMW, only to have the plans put on hold when the TT and NW200 were cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.
However, the return of both events in 2022 has prompted OMG Racing to not only revive its plans but do so with the riders it had originally penned for its 2020 bow.
There will however be a change to Yamaha machinery in line with its switch of allegiance in BSB, which means OMG Racing will now be able to enter a pair of R1s and R6s in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes.
“RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha are delighted to see the NW200 and Isle of Man TT events come back bigger and stronger than ever and we’re proud to be a part of both of these legendary races.
“It’s later than we all planned for obvious reasons but as a team we’re delighted to finally be making our road racing debut with the vast experience of James and Davo aboard our Yamaha R1 and R6 machines.
“With a firm testing plan in place, we’re confident of strong performances from both riders at the NW200 and the TT so naturally we’re excited to get things underway.”
Hillier’s long-awaited outing for OMG Racing comes after he was forced to pull out of his maiden Dakar Rally outing in January as a consequence of the change in manufacturer leaving too little time to prepare on a Yamaha.
A winner at both the NW200 and TT, Hillier is looking forward to getting back underway.
“I can’t wait to get back to doing what I enjoy so much, it’s been a long time away for everyone involved and it’s going to be something special for myself and RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha to finally begin our road racing journey.
“Practice week at the TT will be a challenge to re-learn the circuit and develop a new bike but with a strong team around me I’m excited to be riding Yamaha machinery this year.
“The Yamaha R1 and R6 are proven race-winning motorcycles, and our sole goal is to continue that winning success by returning the Yamaha R1 to the top step of a road racing podium.”
Johnson too can’t wait to get back to action after spending two years at home in Adelaide, Australia.
“It’s been a long two years away and I can’t wait to get back to it! After signing for RICH Energy OMG Racing at the beginning of 2020, the world then stopped and unfortunately the TT and international road races were cancelled.
“RICH Energy OMG Racing have been great to me throughout the covid period and I’m more determined than ever to repay them with a great season this year. I’ve been riding a hell of a lot at different circuits out here in Australia on my Yamaha R1 and I feel faster than I ever have.
“I’m excited to ride the race versions of the Yamaha R1 and R6 and with the test program we have in place I have no doubt we’ll be ready for the challenge of bringing success for the team and Yamaha.”
OMG Racing will compete in the 2022 BSB Championship with an unchanged rider line-up of Bradley Ray and Kyle Ryde.
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