Britain’s most successful Supersport team, Appleyard Macadam Yamaha, are hanging up their pit boards- after an unprecedented four Supersport Championship crowns and a 125cc title.
The 2017-2020 Quattro Group British Supersport champions leave behind a legacy in the sport as they continually challenged within the 600cc segment, taking over 63 race wins, whilst fostering the careers of many young riders.
Team owner Robin Appleyard raced 125cc machines in the World and British Championship (Champion in 1993 and 96) before starting his own team and setting up the original Red Bull Rookies programme in 2000. The team then won the 125 British Championship with Darren Barton on a Honda RS125 in 1999.
Run out of Colin Appleyard Motorcycles and car group, the team gained support from Yamaha to run their YZF-R6 machines in British Supersport, where they hit a sweet spot, taking the title in four consecutive seasons with Keith Farmer (2017), Jack Kennedy (2018-19) and Rory Skinner (2020).
Robin’s teams have helped many young riders over the years including Ash Beech, Jonathan Rea, Andrew Irwin, Jake Dixon, Brad Jones and their current riders Bradley Perie and Harry Truelove.
Team Owner Robin Appleyard said, “I’ve had an amazing journey and been very lucky to be able to compete and then run my own team for which I’m very grateful . As a family we’ve loved every minute of the cut and thrust of competition, not just winning but trying to help develop young riders in some small way on their path to some great careers.
After over 40 years in the racing paddock It’s time for me to pursue other interests, I’ll always have one eye on the racing of course, it’ll remain in my blood for ever.
Many thanks to our great sponsors over the years, with a special mention to Margaret and Doug Macadam, Simon at Tysers Insurance and Yamaha UK, plus all our great staff. Of course my parents Colin and Peggy put so much into the sport over the years and my wife Diane, who has been with me all the way. We also show our appreciation to all our riders, organisers and of course the marshals, who make it all possible every week.”
Bennetts British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs added: “Motorcycle racing owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Appleyard family. Robin Appleyard has been a great supporter and identifier of talent and many riders have benefited from this. Also, his late father Colin was one of the architects of the British Championships as we know it. I would like to personally acknowledge everything that they have done for the sport. I wish Robin and his family my sincerest best wishes for the future and I hope in some way the spirit of his team can continue.”
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