The 2025 British Superbike season is set to kick off this weekend at Oulton Park, where twenty-six riders from twenty-three different teams will line up for the season opener. The long-awaited event comes after a tumultuous off-season, marked by significant changes among teams and riders. Notably, the reigning champions OMG Racing have undergone a major reorganization and will now race as the OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha team.
In an exclusive interview with BikeSport News, TNT Sports commentator Steve Day shared insights on the recent developments within the paddock. "In general, the news that OMG were folding was a major bombshell. I had no idea whatsoever that it was coming," Day expressed. The restructuring has led to only Kyle Ryde remaining with the team, while former teammates Bradley Ray and rookie Joe Talbot have found new paths. Ryde, the reigning champion, is eager to defend his title, stating, "It is good that the team are still there, and that Kyle is still racing. We had to have our Champion, not having him would have been damaging for British Superbikes."
Bradley Ray, who made a name for himself in the World Superbike Championship, will return to the British Superbike grid with the Raceways Yamaha team. Steve Rodgers, the team owner, has expressed excitement about Ray's return. "It is fantastic that we have another new team coming back into BSB with a top rider as well," Day noted, emphasizing the positive impact Ray's presence will have on the championship.
Unfortunately, not all news is favorable. Joe Talbot, who finished as the runner-up in the 2024 Superstock Championship, will not compete in the BSB this season. Instead, he will race in the British Supersport series with Binch Racing on a Ducati V2. Day lamented, "I feel really sorry for Joe [Talbot], he deserved to get in, and that looked like a really nice ride for him." Despite this setback, Day remains optimistic about Talbot's future, stating, "I will be fascinated to see how he gets on, I will be surprised if he is not knocking on the door of the podium."
Another notable change in the paddock is the absence of Faye Ho's FHO Racing Team. Day reflected on the loss, saying, "It is a disappointment that the FHO team are no longer there, but I think we have gained two very good teams in its place." The newly formed 8TEN Racing BMW team and the MLav Racing Team, owned by British Superbike race winner Michael Laverty, are stepping in to fill the gap left by FHO. Day expressed surprise at Laverty's entry, stating, "I did not know anything. I believe he has jumped in and taken some of Faye’s equipment."
As the season approaches, the focus shifts to the contenders for the championship. Glenn Irwin, who has finished as the runner-up twice in previous seasons, is determined to secure his first title this year. "I’m eager to finally claim the championship in BSB this year against rivals including Bridewell, Ryde, and Brad Ray," he stated. Irwin has dedicated the off-season to training and business ventures, ensuring he is fully prepared for the challenges ahead. "We’ve had a great testing programme, and I can’t wait for the weekend to get going," he added.
Irwin's brother, Andrew, is also gearing up for the season, aiming for his maiden podium at Oulton Park. He remarked, "I’ve had some good races at Oulton Park, but I haven’t yet reached the podium, so that’s a great way to focus my motivation for this weekend." Meanwhile, rookie Scott Swann has made a notable entrance into the BSB, finishing eighth fastest overall at the Oulton test, signaling his readiness for the competition.
The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the first race on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with final qualifying and the first race scheduled for 4:15 PM. Monday will feature two more BSB races at 1:15 PM and 4:15 PM, promising an action-packed start to the season. With the stage set and tensions high, the 2025 British Superbike Championship is ready to unfold, and all eyes will be on Oulton Park this weekend.
