Bridgestone backs young Redditch motocross rider

Young Redditch motocross rider Rob Yates’ hopes for national stardom were given a boost today when tyre manufacturer Bridgestone agreed to become his official sponsor. Aged 15, Yates has gradually moved up in stages from 50cc to 125cc bikes and is currently preparing for the British schoolboy Finals later in the year. Bridgestone will supply him with his tyres for the year, as well as essential racing gear.

Bridgestone’s training development manager Mark Fereday said: “The opportunity to back young Rob was too good to ignore, after seeing him cut through entire fields of far more experienced opponents.”

Fereday continued: “Rob looks tiny on the bike compared to his competitors, but you can’t keep your eyes off him as he is so fearless and so quick.

“I have seen him win countless races now and he looks destined for greater things. To see him with the Bridgestone branding as he continues to progress will look fantastic and we are delighted to put our name alongside a local lad with a huge level of potential.”

Yates said: “It means a great deal to be recognised by Bridgestone, which is known all over the world and steeped in motorsport prestige. It is not an easy thing to get sponsorship, so when it comes along in the shape of Bridgestone, it feels incredible.”

Rob regularly races with Costswold MX club and while he is showing signs of brilliance, his dad Tony is tempering expectation with a degree of caution: “We are all so proud of Rob and it means a lot to have an association with Bridgestone. We race all over the country as well as Ireland. There are opportunities to race at a higher level, but we just want him to enjoy himself and progress in his own time.”