Ahead of this year’s VMXDN, Ozmo Motorsport reveals a special tribute team taking to the gate at Hawkstone Park, honouring Andy Sutton, founder of Poole Motorcycles and Poole Yamaha.
For decades Andy supported riders at every level, helping shape the careers of names including Kristian Whatley, Jake Shipton, Simon Wakely, Katie Wakely, Sam Sunderland, Jeff Perrett, Phil Lewis and Dean Woodford, among many others.
Andy has faced serious health challenges in recent years, including a stroke and a cancer diagnosis, from which he has since recovered. This inspired Ozmo Motorsport’s founder, a long-time Poole-supported rider himself, to bring back a team in Poole Yamaha’s original colours, running original bikes and riders connected to Andy – a chance to give him a race team of his own again.
“It’s all in honour of him and Poole Motorcycles,” said Craig Ozmo – the team’s founder. “We wanted to bring a smile to his face and celebrate everything he gave to this sport.”
Originally featuring Ryan Allen, the team has made a late change after Ryan suffered a serious back and neck injury. Replacing him is Josh Vail at Hawkstone Park. They’re joined by Lewis Trickett and Jamie Carpenter, both with strong ties to Poole Yamaha.
Lewis Trickett’s career accolades include British Schoolboy Champion 2007; he raced for Twisted 7 Kawasaki, Lanes Kawasaki, MBO Yamaha, Buildbase Honda and ASA Honda across a career including EMX250, British Championship and Pirelli Masters campaigns, before injuries prompted his move away from full-time racing. “Excited to race for Craig’s new team in honour of Andy Sutton and Poole Yamaha, bringing my experience and hopefully some of my old speed.”
Jamie Carpenter boasts British Masters MXY2 Champion 2015, ACU British MXGB MXY2 Champion 2016, MX Nationals Pro MX2 Champion 2022, multiple British MXGB race winner and three-time Weymouth Beach Race winner.
The youngest on the team, Josh Vail, is a three-time British Champion (BW85 2023, 125 Youth 2024, 125 Adult 2024), racing for Phoenix Tools Racing. “Privileged to have been picked to ride for Craig’s team – being a sand track this year should mix things up nicely.”
The team races in Poole Yamaha’s original colours on period-correct machinery at VMXdN Hawkstone Park -a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to British motocross.
