Sponsorship

AMI-CON proudly partners with Riot Racing for the 2005 season.

RiOT Racing - a brief history

In 2001, after 10 years of race management, Jorge Vairinhos created RiOT Racing.
Although Jorge had steered riders and teams to success in both the Portuguese and British Privateers Superbike Championships, as well as at the Macau Grand Prix, he had always dreamed of setting up a team with a unique profile within the racing community. Namely:

• A team which would nurture and promote young riders to a wider audience
• A team which would allow ordinary race fans to become actively involved in the sport

As a director of Ridersite.com, one of the major online communities for motorcyclists and race fans, Jorge realised he had access to an international audience and could build a fan base for the team very quickly. So, in 2001 RiOT Racing came into being, the name standing for Ridersite Owners Team. Both parties are now run much more independently of each other although the name has been retained simply because it is a memorable, catchy title for the team.

Racing in the 2001 European Superstock series, RiOT quickly established a reputation for its professionalism and presentation which outshone many larger outfits in the paddock. The team was simply unmissable whenever the bikes were in the paddock or out on the track. The Managing Director of the World Superbike series, Paulo Flammini, was known to take a special interest in the squad and its concept.

The need to take stock of the lessons learnt during its inaugural year meant that RiOT took a break during the 2002 season. In 2003 the team returned, this time sourcing talent from the paddock of the British Motorcycle Racing Club (BMCRC, or Bemsee as it's better known). Immediately on the podium with riders Alan Skinner and Alan Witt in the SuperTwins championship, RiOT challenged for the title mid-season and eventually finished third. Although much had been achieved in regard to strengthening the teams reputation and structure, finding a rider with which RiOT could move up a gear proved elusive.

Rider Alan Skinner on the podium, 2003

2004 began as a holding year for the squad. Veteran racer Don Plane was drafted in to again campaign the SuperTwins championship, finishing third overall, along with race novice Trevor Leslie. Sponsor Tim Rayner had expressed a desire to take a crack at racing so the team fixed him up with a machine in the MZ class - a move which brought RiOT to the attention of the Friday "Biker" column in The Sun newspaper. Throughout the season test rides were offered to prospective riders aboard the teams flagship 2004 Factory Aprilia. Those who displayed the necessary ability, determination and attitude were invited to join the squad for its 2005 campaign.

#92 Chris Northover at Brands Hatch 2005 (Superstock 600)

Please see weblinks for race results and photographs for the season.

Links

Assen photographs
Racing Results 2005
RiOT racing Site