Wednesday, November 11 2020

RICH Energy OMG Racing have announced the arrival of Kyle Ryde for the 2021 season, moving to the team after a successful campaign this year when he claimed his first win in Bennetts BSB and was the top points-scorer for Suzuki.

Ryde will line up on one of the team's new BMW M 1000 RR's and look to build on his 2020 successes, signing for the Midlands-based team on a two-year deal.

The youngest-ever British 125cc Champion, Kyle brings a wealth of experience to the team including championship wins in both the National Superstock 600 class in 2014 and the British GP2 category in 2019, as well as three seasons in the Superbike World Championship paddock.

Ryde said: "I'm really looking forward to this new challenge, signing a two-year deal with the RICH Energy OMG Racing team to ride the new BMW M 1000 RR. I had a meeting with Paul and Alan, who talked me through the vision for the team over the next couple of years and it's an exciting project.

"Firstly, I have to say a massive thank you to Suzuki and to Hawk Racing for the opportunity to ride in British Superbikes, we had some fantastic results and I will always be grateful to Steve and the team for everything they have done for me. 2020 was an incredibly competitive season and to get two wins for me and for them was a massive moment in my career.

"Moving into 2021/22, I'm really excited about riding the new BMW. The M 1000 RR is a great prospect and I'll be aiming to get as many laps in on one as soon as possible, the preparations have already started for next season and once I feel at one with my new bike and team, I believe we'll be up at the front.

"Thanks to all my family, friends and personal sponsors - I can't wait to get started and hopefully we'll enjoy plenty of success over the next two years, in front of the fans!"

Paul Curran, RICH Energy OMG Racing Team Principal, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Kyle to the team for the 2021 season, he's one of the Championship's top young talents and we're looking forward to see him settle in on the M 1000 RR.

"He impressed a lot of people on the Suzuki last season, obviously a double win at Silverstone stands out but throughout the season he has been consistently on the pace. He's a great lad with a sensible head on his shoulders who just wants to get out there and ride his bike, his attitude and hunger to win is exactly what we wanted to take the team forward.

"We're already hard at work in the workshop preparing for next season, and we look forward to announcing his teammate in due course."

Alan Gardner, RICH Energy OMG Racing Team Owner commented: "We're very excited to announce that Kyle will join us for the 2021 season, I think it speaks volumes about our setup that we've been able to attract a rider of his calibre.

"After a tough 2020 for the BMW, we're very excited to work with the new M 1000 RR and our target is to be well in contention for podiums and race wins. We've come so far as a team in just a short time in the series, we're building a very exciting line-up for next season, with two riders joining the team to ride our new machinery. Safe to say we're looking forward to what 2021 will bring!"

Talks continue with several riders for the team's second Superbike ride, which will be announced by the RICH Energy OMG Racing team in due course.