Ray joins OMG to complete exciting and youthful BSB line up

Having already secured the services of rising star Kyle Ryde, the team has now added fellow BSB race winner and front runner Bradley Ray.

Ray, 23, spent the 2020 season with the factory-backed TAS BMW squad before deciding to join OMG as the team looks towards building on last season, which saw them outperform their factory rivals.

One of the Championship’s biggest talents, Ray started off his career with three seasons in the MotoGP paddock with the Red Bull Rookies series before returning to the British paddock in the Supersport class of 2016, finishing third in the championship.

The year 2017 saw him called up to join the Buildbase Suzuki squad, and he took his maiden victory the following season at Donington Park.

Ray said: "I’m excited to be joining RICH Energy OMG Racing and getting to work on the new BMW M1000RR.

"They’re a really welcoming team and ever since they came into the paddock, I’ve been a fan of the family atmosphere that they have.

"They’re one of those teams who have the right attitude and just want you to enjoy your racing.

"I’ve got a year’s worth of experience on the S1000RR and I think that the new bike will just reinforce those weaker areas where we struggled last season.

"I want to be back fighting for podiums regularly, and after sitting down with Paul and Alan I feel confident they’re investing in all the right places to give me every chance to get back to where I know I can be.

"It’s great to be riding with Kyle, who’s a good mate and I think we’ll both help to push each other forward.

"I’d like to say a big thank you to all my friends, family and sponsors for all their support, and I can’t wait to get started on this new challenge.”

Ryde, also aged 23, had already agreed to join the team for the 2021 BSB championship, joining the team after a successful season, ending the year as the top points-scorer from the factory Suzuki team.

Ryde, who has signed a two-year deal, claimed his maiden BSB win at Silverstone this year.

The youngest-ever British 125cc champion, he has also competed in the British Superstock 600 series and GP2 championship, as well as three seasons in the World Superbike paddock.

OMG team principal Paul Curran, from Cannock, said: "We’re very excited to announce that Brad will be joining us for the 2021 season.

"He has a full year of experience on the S1000RR, so he’ll hopefully settle in quickly on the M1000RR and can help Kyle in that regard as well.

"He is a proven race-winner as is Kyle, and between the two of them we are expecting some great battles this season.

"With both riders working together, we are confident the team will take a leap forward in results and we can build on our first season with BMW machinery, where we outperformed the factory side.

"To have two proven British Superbike race winners in the team is a show of faith that we can help them take the next step in their respective careers and, as a team, we’ll work hard to deliver that for them.”