BSB champion Bradley Ray rewarded with Yamaha World Superbike ride for 2023

By Kyle White
Published 30th Nov 2022, 11:17 BST
Updated 30th Nov 2022, 11:31 BST
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British Superbike champion Bradley Ray will realise a childhood dream in 2023 after sealing a move to the World Superbike Championship with the Yamaha Motoxracing team.

The English rider has been rewarded by Yamaha Motor Europe for his title success in BSB this year and says his ultimate aim is to one day become world champion.

“After what’s been an incredible debut year with Yamaha in the UK delivering nine wins and 23 podiums in part one of my career quest to become British Superbike Champion, I’m absolutely delighted that Yamaha have rewarded me with this opportunity to take the next step with the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team,” said Ray, who rode a Yamaha R1 for the first time this year for the OMG Yamaha squad.

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“I’ve dreamed of being World Superbike champion since my race debut at three years old and I’m only too aware that it wouldn’t be possible without the support of a manufacturer like Yamaha and the team I have around me.

Bradley Ray won nine races on the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha on his way to sealing the British Superbike title this year. Picture: David Yeomans PhotographyBradley Ray won nine races on the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha on his way to sealing the British Superbike title this year. Picture: David Yeomans Photography
Bradley Ray won nine races on the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha on his way to sealing the British Superbike title this year. Picture: David Yeomans Photography

“I’m very keen to get started in World Superbike and hope to follow in the footsteps of many of the successful Brits in the championship. It’s time to take aim for that next title, step by step.”

The 25-year-old will join the 2023 championship at the third round at Assen.

He previously made his WSBK debut at Donington Park in 2018, scoring points as wildcard rider.

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The Kent-born racer finished third in the British Supersport Championship on a Yamaha R6.

British Superbike champion Bradley Rayon the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha. Picture: David Yeomans PhotographyBritish Superbike champion Bradley Rayon the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha. Picture: David Yeomans Photography
British Superbike champion Bradley Rayon the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha. Picture: David Yeomans Photography

He moved up to BSB in 2017 and became a regular top-ten finisher, clinching his first podium at Oulton Park as he ended his rookie year in the class in 11th.

Ray won his first BSB races with a double at Donington Park in 2018 and made it into the Showdown, finishing sixth.

Further podium success followed over the next three seasons before Ray blazed a trail to the title this year, chalking up nine wins and 23 podiums before wrapping up the title in October at Brands Hatch.

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Northern Ireland’s Glenn Irwin finished second in the championship behind Ray for Honda Racing UK.

Irwin will ride a Ducati next year for Paul Bird’s team alongside Tommy Bridewell in a new-look PBM line-up, while his brother Andrew will return to the Honda team.

Related topics:Europe