Rich Energy OMG Racing has confirmed it will make its belated road racing debut this year with entries into the 2022 Isle of Man TT and North West 200 with James Hillier and David Johnson.
One of the leading contenders in the British Superbike Championship (BSB), OMG Racing originally announced its intention to expand into road racing back in 2020 before COVID-19 put its plans on ice amid event cancellations.
Nevertheless, despite the two-year hiatus, OMG Racing has announced its belated debut will now go ahead this year with May’s NW200 before going on to the blue riband Isle of Man TT.
On riding duties will be the two riders it had signed for 2020 with James Hillier and David Johnson staying on board, though the road racing effort will mirror its BSB counterpart by dropping BMW in favour of Yamaha machinery.
As a result of this Hillier and Johnson will compete in five races each with outings in the Superbike and Superstock classes on the Yamaha R1 and the Supersport category on the Yamaha R6.
“It’s been a long two years away and I can’t wait to get back to it,” said Johnson. “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.
Hillier’s bow with OMG Racing comes after his Dakar Rally debut in January was put on hold due to the tight turnaround brought about by the switch of brand allegiance.
“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.”
