SPORT: After a baptism of fire in the British Moto3 Championship – Kilmacrennan’s Richard Kerr, is aiming to step up a level in 2016.
For many years, the Japanese motorcycles have dominated the racing circles across the globe.
However, in recent years, European bikes have toppled the Japanese in many classes.
German BMW’s have won the IOM TT, MCAU, GP, – and in Grand Prix, the Austrian built KTMs have toppled the Hondas on many occasions.
Kilmacrennan’s Richard Kerr has received a timely boost for his 2016 British Championship campaign, with his loyal sponsor, Bob Wylie supplying him with one of the latest ex works KTM machines!
Wylie Racing will continue into the 2016 race season with both riders being remaining on board.
Speaking at a Press Launch on Saturday, Team Owner Bob Wylie, a former competitor turned sponsor, will again run Kilmacrennans Richard Kerr and Antrims Christain Elkin in his blue and white liveried bikes in 2016.
For Antrim’s Bob Wylie, a former joiner by trade, this is just another shining example of Bob’s interest in motorcycling.
Bob has been involved in the sport for many years, sponsoring Steve Hazlett, when he won the Manx Grand Prix, and followed up with a podium at the IOM TT on his TT debut!
For this season, Kerr will have the use of a very special machine, an ex Grand Prix machine in the form of a 2015 KTM RC250 MOTO3 as ridden by Jakub Kornfeil who finished 12th in the world championship, and scored a second place at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The team have also joined forces with Red Line Racing, headed by Nick Carpenter, who masterminded Scott Deroue on his way to the 2015 British Championship victory.
Carpenter also worked with Christain Elkin, when Elkin gave Carpenter his first Championship title riding for Team UK 1!
Last year was a learning curve for the former Irish Moto3 champion, but with sheer determination, on a bike which was visibly down on speed, 15 year old schoolboy, Kerr rode with the skill of a champion, taking a personal best of third at Cadwell Park, and 9th at Knockhill.
Richard feels that he has served his apprenticeship on the British Championship circuits, and feels, that with the right machinery and set up, he hopes to be able to make inroads on the top six riders and has set a personal goal of podium placings.
Richard Kerr told Donegal Daily, “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.
“My aim is to be running at the front and hopefully get podium’s and maybe win some races!
“It won’t be easy, but there is a lot of quick guys my age and older, all with the same frame of mind.
“I need to be giving 100% all the time with myself and when I am riding the bike, I have been training hard over the winter, mountain biking, pit bike racing.
“I’m grateful to Bob for believing in me, and continuing his much valued support and also all my sponsors as without their support – I would not be able to continue racing in the British Championship.
“The new KTM will be a new challenge for me, I know what the bike is capable of, so if the bike is running how it should be, then it’s down to me, the rider.
“I admit it will probably take a wee while to get used to riding this new machine, but I am hoping that I can adapt to the Bob Wylie Racing KTM OK.
“My main target is to win a race this season”
Bob Wylie, Team Manager/Owner said, “It’s great to have two riders who appreciate my support, Christain will continue to race the Triumph in all Irish championship short circuits and selected roads, and Richard, will have the use of an ex works KTM for the British Moto 3 Championship.
“Richard is a quality rider, and I just want to give him the best equipment possible.
“Richard has shown exceptional maturity for a rider of his age, and I believe he has the talent to go far.
“That’s why I have got him this special machine.”
Both riders will be in action at Bishopscourt and Kirkistown for the Easter weekend meetings.
Kerr’s first outing in the British Championships, will be at Silverstone 8/10th April.
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