Jake Shipton has talked about his new ride with the new Geartec-backed Crescent Yamaha team run by Rob Hooper for his 2017 MX1 in the MX1 Maxxis ACU British Championship and MX Nationals Series.
Successfully developing his MX career over recent years both in the UK and internationally, having competed and trained in Dubai, Shipton delivered a stellar 2016 UK season as a privateer rider – including winning both MX National races at Wakes Colne to finish fifth in the championship standings, alongside a dominant triumph at the Ken Hall International Trophy.
The 23-year-old intends to challenge consistently at the highest level across both national competitions next year and has already begun his preparation for the coming season, having completed many hours of training on his new Yamaha and also celebrating his new adventure in ‘Racing Blue’ colours by securing victory at the Weymouth Beach race aboard the YZ450F.
Shipton said: “I’ve had many highlights in my career so far, including winning the Dubai MX and the Emirates Desert Championships in 2015, but this season has really allowed me to step up, mixing it with the fastest riders in the British Championships and growing my confidence considerably.
“I’ve really seen Rob’s dedication in the last few weeks and for sure he loves the sport just as much – or even more maybe – than me! For someone with his experience to notice my riding and efforts feels amazing! The guys at Crescent have helped me so much and without them last year I wouldn’t have been racing at all. Crescent has pushed me to the next level and being involved with this project and riding the amazing YZ450F – which I am already in love with! – is really exciting.
“Next season my aim is to be consistently running in the top-five in the British Championship. I have a solid training programme that I’m sticking to and a strong, competitive training group, including Alex Lowes and Tommy Searle, that I both look up to and who want me to improve so I’ll be training hard with them and putting the laps in with Rob at the track. I’m really excited about 2017 and this opportunity, I just can’t stop thanking everyone, and come March next year I think we’ll be more than ready!”
Rob Hooper has been at the forefront of motocross competition for almost five decades, with his own successful racing career spanning almost 20 years before he took to the task of team manager in 1987. Creating his own independent team with wife Cheryl in 1991, he has continued to run Rob Hooper Racing for the past 25 years and has successfully promoted talent within the industry thanks to the involvement and commitment of his sponsors and partners – none more so than Midlands-based Geartec Commercials. 2016 saw Hooper step up to run Yamaha machinery as the official team for Yamaha UK and 2017 looks to push that partnership ever-forward as he combines with Crescent Yamaha.
Hooper said: “Jake has impressed me so much through 2016. I have watched his results improve week on week and his double win at round 5 of the MX nationals and his fantastic Ken Hall victory were a just reward for the extraordinary dedication, commitment and fact he is prepared to go that extra mile to reach his goals. I am looking forward to working with a rider who I know is going to be giving 100% to deliver top results in 2017.
“The opportunity to partner with Crescent is extremely good news. Paul and the crew have a wealth of experience in World and British Championship track racing allied with a passion for Moto Cross. I believe they will bring a level of professionalism to the team and the sport which will help the RHR team achieve podium finishes.”
Crescent boss Paul Denning said: “At Crescent we have a passion for motocross that extends to a lot more than offering our customers great service and supplying the best products –many of us also love to ride and to race. Our partnership with Yamaha is the World Superbike Championship is developing well for the future and, with the YZ range now on offer from Crescent, to support Jake on a Yamaha in motocross makes complete sense. Joining forces with Rob is an absolute pleasure, he has the experience and dedication needed to help Jake take the next steps in his career, and we are really looking forward to it!”
