BSB: Reigning champions OMG Racing Yamaha withdraw from 2025 season

Reigning Bennetts British Superbike champions OMG Racing have informed series promoter MSVR that they are unable to participate in the 2025 championship.

The news has understandably come as a huge shock to all involved, with the official pre-season test programme getting underway this weekend at a two-day test in Navarra.

It leaves 2024 champion Kyle Ryde, 2022 champion Bradley Ray and rookie Joe Talbot without rides as things stand today. However, Series Director Stuart Higgs and MSVR are actively seeking alternative options in order for the riders to appear on the 2025 grid.

MSVR have released the following statement on the matter.

“We have been advised today (Tuesday) by our reigning Bennetts British Superbike Championship-winning team OMG Racing Yamaha that 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, celebrating title victories in 2022 and 2024.”

OMG Racing first entered the BSB paddock in 2018 running Suzukis in the Superstock and Superbike classes, with Josh Elliot securing the team’s maiden BSB win at Silverstone that year.

The team endured two difficult years with BMW machinery in 2020 and 2021, but a move to Yamaha in 2022 proved to be the springboard to greater things. OMG found instant success with the R1, with Bradley Ray capturing the title with two races to spare.

Fast forward to 2024 and OMG Racing, now the official supported Yamaha team, were once again crowned champions thanks to Ryde, who enjoyed a super consistent, breakthrough campaign. Ryde managed to overcome the challenge of Tommy Bridewell in an all-time classic race at Brands Hatch to win the title by a single point.

In total, Ryde and teammate Ryan Vickers collected 16 race wins last season, as well as 31 podiums and nine fastest laps. The team were crowned Team Champions, whilst Yamaha collected the Manufacturers crown as a result.

All signs pointed to another strong season for the team in 2025, with Ray returning to the series following two seasons in the World Superbike Championship. Ryde and Ray were set to be joined by Talbot, who finished second in the Superstock class behind Davey Todd in 2024.  

OMG Racing have now released a statement following their withdrawal from the series.

“Unfortunately this is not an April Fools, the statement said. “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.”