2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship winners OMG Racing have today announced the second rider in their 2023 title battle, in the form of Ryan Vickers.
The 23-year-old is no stranger to the BSB paddock, having taken victory in the Junior Superstock category in 2018, winning all but two races that season, eventually accruing a lead of more than 100 points against his nearest rival. The same year would also see Vickers awarded the coveted Pinhard Trophy, awarded to the Best Under-21 Motorcyclist under ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) or SACU (Scottish Auto-Cycle Union) jurisdiction, joining the likes of Mike Hailwood, Jeff Smith and Scott Ellis.
In 2022, Vickers contested his fourth BSB season, alongside standing in for Leon Haslam during his World Superbike Campaign for a round at Autodrom Most, the Thetford-based racer’s second appearance on the global stage, following a Wild Card entry in 2018.

Vickers joins teammate Kyle Ryde, who’ll be competing for his second season with the Cannock-based team, on their championship winning Yamaha R1. Both riders will join the team on their trip to Cartagena in December, organised by Team Owner Alan Gardner as a thankyou to the team, allowing them to ride the Spanish circuit, as well as a shakedown test for the Superbikes.
Formed in 2018, OMG Racing are a prominent team within elite tier motorcycle racing. The team took victory in this year’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship, the world’s most popular domestic motorcycle series, with more race wins than anyone on the grid during the season, as well as making their debut in the world-famous Isle of Man TT with James Hillier, one of the 10 Fastest riders ever around the circuit. In 2023, OMG Racing aim to retain their BSB title with 2022 rider Kyle Ryde, and 2018 Junior Superstock Champion Ryan Vickers.

Ryan Vickers, OMG Racing BSB Rider – “I’m so pleased to be given the opportunity to ride what I and many others perceive to be the best bike on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship grid, with a team have that have impressed a huge number of people by winning the championship.
“My love of Yamaha stems from my Superstock 600 British Championship win onboard an R6, so I’m looking forward to gelling with the R1, and being able to deliver OMG Racing the level of success they’ve become used to.
“I can’t thank Alan [Gardner, Team Owner] and Paul [Curran, Team Principal] enough for their belief in my abilities, and I’ll be working harder than ever to give them the results the team deserve. I appreciate that to step into the boots of the Championship winner is a big ask, and Brad has set the bar high, but I relish the challenge and I’m excited for what I’m hoping will be my best season yet.”

Alan Gardner, OMG Racing Team Owner – “Ryan is a rider that OMG Racing have had their eye on for quite a while, and has really impressed with both his performance on-track, and his attitude off it. He’s a well known & liked character within the paddock, and has proven himself to be a rider that will
go above & beyond to constantly improve & better his lap times and ability, and that fits perfectly with us and our goals moving forward.
“We plan on pulling no punches in our pursuit of our second championship victory in 2023, and with both Ryan & Kyle on board our Yamaha R1s, are feeling strong as we move into our sixth BSB season.”

Paul Curran, OMG Racing Team Principal – “I’m really looking forward to working with Ryan, and he’s a rider that I’ve admired for quite a while. His success on the R6 in the British Superstock Championship back in 2018 demonstrates his comfort on Yamahas, and from experience we know this normally translates well to the R1 – you only have to look at Brad [Ray]’s results & progression to see that. His drive and positivity will see him slot perfectly into the team, and I’m confident he’ll be at the sharp end of the grid from the off.
“We head out to Cartagena in a few short weeks, and we’re all looking forward to giving both Ryan & Kyle the opportunity to get some track time under their belts. I have no doubt that Ryan will get his head around the bike very quickly, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what he can do.”