After a two-year wait, the RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team is proud to make their Isle of Man TT debut this weekend as the action gets underway around the fabled Mountain circuit. Their maiden TT appearance was slated for 2020 but the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events has meant a long wait for the Cannock-based team to proudly follow in the footsteps of the greatest teams and riders the sport has ever seen.
Experienced road racer James Hillier will be the sole entrant for the team’s TT bow after teammate Davo Johnson crashed during a Bennetts British Superbike race at Oulton Park in early May. The Aussie was unlucky to fracture his pelvis and collarbone in the incident exiting Knickerbrook, disappointingly ending his Road Racing return before it began. The Superstock podium man from 2019 will join the team on the Island and will also undertake media work in support of the TT coverage for the event.
Flying solo in the black, gold, and blue for the team, James Hillier is one of the most consistent riders of his generation. Making his 61st start in the opening race, the Ringwood ace will contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT races aboard his immaculate Yamaha R1 machines, switching to the Yamaha R6 for the two middleweight Supersport races. With 52 silver replicas and 4 bronze plus a fastest lap of 132.414mph as one of the ten fastest riders ever around the 37.73 mile course, Hillier will be keen to add to his 14 podiums including his maiden race win in the 2013 Lightweight TT.
James Hillier: “I’m really happy to be back on the Isle of Man and to be back doing what we do best. It’s been the same for everyone, but I’ve missed the buzz of the place and really can’t wait to get back out on the circuit. The RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team has done an exceptional job getting us here and my crew worked hard to get the three Yamaha machines ready, so thank you to them all. The TT organisers have put on an incredible show and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Paul Curran, Team Principal: “It’s been a huge undertaking by the team to compete on the Roads alongside our BSB commitments but after a successful time at the Northwest 200 we arrive here at our Isle of Man TT debut in great shape. It’s a shame to lose Davo as he would have undoubtedly been a great asset for us, leaving James to carry the mantle for the team; his experience around here and that of his crew will be invaluable for the whole team. We’re proud to be here and excited to get started.”
Alan Gardner, Team Owner: “It’s been a long-held dream of mine to run a team at the Isle of Man TT. The event is one that holds great memories for me as a fan of the sport and to finally get the chance to make our debut after the two-year delay fills me with pride not only for the team but very much for the people in it who made it happen. There have been many long hours getting plans into place with the unwavering support of the TT organisers and to see it all come to fruition is very special indeed.”
