Yamaha prepares for the R9's debut in British Supersport

The Yamaha R9 is set to debut in the British Supersport from 2026 with the Raceways team: it will be up to Ben Currie and Harry Truelove to chase victory.

Yamaha’s ambitious project for the 2026 Quattro Group British Supersport Championship is taking shape. Raceways Motorcycles has announced the names of the two riders who, with direct factory support, will debut the much-anticipated R9 in British Supersport, one year later than its World Championship launch. Steve Rodgers’ outfit, returning as Yamaha Motor UK’s reference structure in the overseas championship, will entrust the task to Ben Currie and Harry Truelove.

A standard-bearer over the past three years for the Moto Rapido team, becoming British Supersport Champion in 2023, Ben Currie will switch from Ducati to Yamaha with the clear intent of reclaiming the title, which slipped away by just four points this past season in favor of Rhys Irwin. Recently, the Australian rider (though effectively British by adoption and racing upbringing) had the chance to test the R9 during a session at Mugello. "I’m thrilled with the opportunity Yamaha has given me for 2026. I’ve always admired Steve Rodgers’ squad; getting his call to race in BSS with the new R9 was a real privilege", Currie admitted. "The bike is easy to ride and fits my riding style perfectly. Everything is going really well, which is fantastic as we look ahead to the first pre-season tests. I can’t wait to get started".

Already tied to the tuning-fork brand thanks to his notable stint with Appleyard Macadam Racing (3rd in 2022), Harry Truelove will be the second rider to race the Raceways Yamaha R9. After a far-from-unforgettable 2025 under the MMB Racing Ducati banner, the Lincolnshire native will chase a victory that has been missing in British Supersport for three years now. "Joining an established team like Raceways Yamaha is a great opportunity", Truelove commented. "The R9 looks like a phenomenal package and I can’t wait to show my full potential. With the experience and backing of Raceways Yamaha behind me, I’m confident I can fight for the top positions".

Alongside its British Supersport effort, Raceways Motorcycles had already renewed, well in advance, its agreement with Bradley Ray for a second consecutive year to mount a definitive assault on the British Superbike title. In view of this dual commitment, Steve Rodgers’ outfit will also benefit from a renewed title sponsorship partnership with McAMS, and will therefore resume the McAMS Yamaha name as it did during the highly successful 2017–2023 seven-year run. The renowned UK motorcycle insurance company will dress the three Yamahas (R1 and R9) for the entirety of the 2026 season.