News 2003
Winner of Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup announced
18/09/2003
The Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup has been won by Tommy Hill at the penultimate round of the series at Brands Hatch last Sunday and he has been celebrating in style this week.
The 18-year-old racer won the one-make Championship and secured the coveted prize of a place in the 2004 Virgin Mobile Yamaha British Superbike team. He also wins a Yamaha R6 road bike and will be refunded his £15 000 Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup entry fee.
The Lingfield-based rider was understandably delighted with the result and said: “Words fail me, it’s like a dream come true. It’s been such close racing all year and absolutely amazing. There were times when I wasn’t sure if I would get it but I just made sure that I rode my heart out at every meeting. I’m still in a bit of shock and I keep having to pinch myself when I realise that I will be racing against some of the best motorcycle racers in the world next year.”
The Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup has thrilled the crowds at every meeting this year and the highlight for the competitors was racing at the British MotoGP round in July when they competed in front of 107 000 spectators. Hill, who was only one of two racers to have scored at every meeting so far, demonstrated that consistency was the key to success. The Racetrux-backed rider won two races and finished in the top three eight times in total.
Virgin Mobile Yamaha British Superbike team boss Rob McElnea, said: “I really wouldn’t have been able to make a prediction at the beginning of the year as to whom the winner would be. There has been some brilliant talent come to the fore, and it’s a shame that there is only one place in my squad, but as the boys quite often say ‘that’s racing’, I’m delighted to welcome Tommy into my team next year. Obviously, it will be a step up and a big challenge but seeing how he performed in the R6 Cup, I’m sure he will be more than capable of filling his British Superbike race boots. Well done Tommy.”
The one-make series was launched at the beginning of the year to find up-and-coming racing talent and was backed by Virgin Mobile.
James Kydd, brand director at Virgin Mobile, said: “Firstly I would like to congratulate Tommy on behalf of everyone at Virgin Mobile. When we were first approached about the Championship we knew it was a great idea but would it work? So, we are delighted that it has been such a resounding success. It has attracted young and determined riders and by supporting them in the early stages of their career, we believe it will provide them with the opportunity to achieve their ambition of racing at the top level, this in turn, will result in a healthy and competitive series. These up-and-coming riders are the sport’s future and they have a strong appeal with our youth customer base which we believe will continue to grow as a result."
The final round takes place at Donington Park on Sunday 28th September.
