News 28 Jul 2017

RCH Racing to 'wind down' following 2017 season

Factory-backed team and Suzuki confirm decision to separate.

Source: Supplied.

RCH Racing co-owner Ricky Carmichael has indicated the organisation will exit competition altogether when it parts ways with Suzuki at the end of the 2017 season.

An announcement has confirmed Suzuki and RCH Racing have mutually decided to conclude their partnership, with the manufacturer due to announce its future in the coming weeks.

However the chances of RCH Racing continuing – at least in its current form – appear to be minor, as American motocross and supercross great Carmichael reflected upon its success since he took factory Suzuki support to the program in 2013.

“As defending AMA Pro Motocross champions, it’s tough to get to the point where plans evolve and tough business decisions must be made,” commented Carmichael, who will remain in an ambassador role with Suzuki and continue to work with the brand.

“My partner Carey Hart and I are very proud of our guys and grateful we were able to achieve the success we did as a team. I am also personally looking forward to continuing my long relationship with Suzuki in another capacity as we wind down RCH.”

RCH Racing was formed ahead of the 2013 season when Carmichael partnered with freestyle motocross icon Carey Hart, who had previously operated his own team under the Hart and Huntington brand. Their most significant success came when Ken Roczen clinched the 2016 Pro Motocross championship prior to departing for Team Honda HRC.

Suzuki operated with two factory teams in recent years before RCH Racing effectively merged with Yoshimura’s team entering 2017, signing Justin Bogle and Broc Tickle at the beginning of the season.

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