BSB: FHO Racing BMW sign Ryan Vickers for 2022 season

FHO Racing BMW have confirmed the signing of Ryan Vickers for the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season.

Vickers makes the move after spending the last three years with Lee Hardy’s RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki team. The 22-year-old made the leap to the Superbike class in 2019 after being crowned National Superstock 600 champion.

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It’s been an up and down journey since joining BSB, with multiple injuries disrupting his progress. However, Vickers enjoyed his most consistent season yet this year, finishing 12th overall with a best result of fourth (x2) at Thruxton, where he was challenging for a spot on the podium. He also posted the fastest ever lap of Cadwell Park in August. Overall, Vickers finished inside the top six on six occasions.

“I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to ride with FHO Racing BMW,” Vickers said. “During the 2021 championship, it was clear to see Faye’s dedication and commitment to the team and I am really looking forward to joining them for next season.

“Hicky had an amazing season with FHO Racing this year and it will be a privilege to work alongside him within such a professional environment. Not only am I there to learn, but I’m also there to win and I feel that this is my chance to move forward.

“I have learnt so much in my short time in BSB and I feel this opportunity has come at the perfect time for me to make this next step. The BMW M 1000 RR is a proven race winner in the championship so I can’t wait to test it for the first time. I am now excited about starting work with the team to prepare for the 2022 Championship.”

Vickers will race alongside Peter Hickman, who re-signed with Faye Ho’s team during the 2021 season finale at Brands Hatch. In the team’s first-ever BSB, Hickman secured two victories and five podiums onboard the new BMW M1000 RR.

Vickers takes over from Joe Francis, who replaced Xavi Fores for the final two rounds of the 2021 season at Donington and Brands Hatch.

“I am really happy to welcome Ryan to the team for next season, he is one of the youngest riders on the BSB grid, but already has three full Superbike seasons under his belt and I feel that with the right environment, he can develop into a regular podium contender,” Faye Ho said.

“I like to be able to give riders the opportunity to prove themselves and I feel that this season he showed his potential on several occasions, but was just a little bit unlucky too that he didn’t get that first career podium finish.

“As a team, we now have a season’s worth of experience with the new BMW M1000 RR and that combined with Peter’s knowledge and some new input from Ryan should be a fantastic mix.”

Pre-season testing for the 2022 season begins at Vickers’ local circuit, Snetterton on March 25-27.