With the opening round of the championship just weeks away at the start of May, OMG Racing withdraw from the 2025 British Superbikes series, leaving reigning champion Kyle Ryde, 2022 champion Bradley Ray, and young team-mate Joe Talbot all without rides.
The news was first announced by Bennetts British Superbike Championship organisers MSVR, and was met by disbelief, particularly as it was unfortunately shared on April 1st, also known as April Fools Day.
“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.”
But any doubts were removed with an official statement from OMG Racing published shortly afterwards, along with a statement from Yamaha Racing UK.
“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, and thanks to the drive & determination of Team Principal Paul Curran & the wider team, have achieved two Riders’ & Teams’ Championship titles, alongside the Manufacturers’ title with Yamaha in 2024.
This was not an easy decision to make, and 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, as well as 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”
It’s not only surprising news this close to the season starting, but currently means there will be no Yamaha R1s on the BSB grid in 2025. It follows the news that FHO Racing has downsized to one bike with Ilya Mikhlachik, and riders Peter Hickman and Davey Todd now in the new 8TEN Racing team, and the somewhat contraversial move of television coverage to TNT Sports. In addition to MSVR and OMG Racing, “Yamaha Motor UK are in conversation with BSB promoter MSVR about the options and position in regard to the 2025 season”, so hopefully Ryde, Ray and Talbot will still be on the grid in May, although with three official test sessions in April, it’s definitely going to impact their preparations whatever happens.
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