Richard races Back to the Future with Polypipe
Monday 1st August 2016
Polypipe is supporting local Doncaster lad and Polypipe employee, Richard Whiteman, as he competes in a string of Classic Superbike events throughout the summer across the UK.
Richard, from Doncaster, required sponsorship in order to compete in a number of invitation only racing and parading events across Britain throughout 2016.
Starting at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire, Richard’s tour will see him race at Olivers Mount in Scarborough, Donington Park & Mallory Park, before heading over to the Isle of Man for the Classic TT.
Riding a 1993 Yamaha YZF750 SP Superbike, fitted with Factory TTS 840cc race engine, Richard is using the 2016 season for testing and development, with a view to completing in selected rounds of the International Classic Superbike in 2017 in Europe. Working with long term sponsor John Outhwaite, and former top Grand Prix mechanic Paul Marshall, the team have built and renovated the ex British Superbike, which hasn’t been raced for 18 years.
“We’ve run the bike twice so far this year, sorting out the suspension and the engine performance is quite challenging but I’ve got a great team and we get issues sorted pretty quickly, and we seem pretty competitive.” Richard said.
He continued: “Having raced semi professionally 25 years ago being a former multiple club and national road race champion , I was lucky enough to race across Europe, Australia and the Isle of Man and I am very grateful to Polypipe for allowing me to continue to pursue this.”
Rachel Smith, Marketing Communications Manager at Polypipe Building Products, adds: “Britain is currently very nostalgic for sports like Superbike Racing, which is rapidly growing in popularity. Richard has worked at Polypipe for 5 years and so it was our pleasure to support him as he races across Europe.”
Polypipe often sponsors local talent, including including Doncaster RLFC, Doncaster Rovers and jet-ski champion, Brad Rickaby.