Jonathan Richardson moves to MRS Sherco
Published: 23rd November 2007
TOP Youth A title challenger, Jonathan Richardson, joined MRS Sherco last Saturday, just a week after his 16th birthday.
The rider from Skeeby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, left JST Gas Gas after a fighting fourth place in the ACU Youth A Trials series after battles with top-ranked Jack Challoner, Ben Morphett and Adam Jones.
He will practice in midweek sessions, subject to his commitments as a Year 11 student at Richmond School. Graham Jarvis will also take time to give Jonathan one-to-one tuition plus tips and techniques on how to get the best out of a 125cc MRS Sherco.
Commented ‘Little Rich’: “I had a good year in the championship on the JST Gas Gas. Maybe there were events when I could have done a little better. I know that for sure. As with Repsol Beta and now JST Gas Gas, I just fancied trying a different machine for next year’s championship series, something away from what I have ridden. The MRS Sherco has a totally different feel, different power, so, I have to go out and practice, practice hard, and learn just what it will do, and how to ride it to get the best results.
“I would like to thank John Shirt and all the team at Gas Gas UK for all their help and support. I have had a lot of help this year, from John Hulme at Yoomee Products, Mike Smith at Mial Coachbuilders at Cleasby who lives just across the field from our farm. Mike has taken me to events, minded for me, and kitted-out our van to living standards.
“Chris Tennant at TW Bikesport played an important role in my move to MRS Sherco. He will support me this year and assist with maintenance and updates next year. Double Scott Trial winner Gerald Richardson and his wife Kathryn are the Team Richardson sponsors, of Jonathan, and 12 year-old sister Chloe who attends the same school, and is the national female Youth C trials champion.
And the 2008 plans? The World 125cc Youth Cup, UEM Youth Championship, Colin Appleyard ACU British Championship Youth class, the ACU Class A championship and, subject to dates, YMSA Youth series.
MRS have also guaranteed full support from Sherco with a factory-tuned engine from Paxau as soon as Jonathan has had some serious trials practice.
And the postscript – ‘JR’ will be taking lessons in Spanish henceforth, ready for any European rides, and maybe a Sherco factory visit.
