Peter Hickman joins newly-formed FHO Racing team for 2021 road races and British Superbike Championship

The current Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix lap record-holder will remain on BMW machinery next year, when Hickman will ride the all-new M1000RR Superbike.

Hickman will be joined in the BSB line-up by former World Superbike podium finisher Xavi Fores, while Alex Olsen will compete for the three-man team in the National Superstock 1000 Championship.

An international businesswoman, Faye Ho has previously supported a number of riders – including Hickman and Michael Rutter at the Macau Grand Prix in recent years – but is now expanding her involvement in the sport as she targets success at BSB level and the major road races.

Hickman, who rode BMW machinery for the Smiths Racing team over the past four seasons, said: “This is an exciting time for me, the team and I think racing in general as we gain a passionate new team owner in Faye.

“I’ve known Faye for a few years as a generous supporter of racing in Macau and most importantly she wants to win. I’ve had an awesome four years with the Smiths Racing team, we’ve grown together as a group, been successful in BSB and on the roads, so now I think we can build on that and take it to a new level.

“After such a bad year globally, it’s so positive to have a new team and sponsor enter the arena.”

FHO Racing team owner Ho said the decision by the Smiths Racing team to quit the sport after 11 years opened up an “ideal opportunity” to form her own team.

“I’ve always loved motorsport and bike racing in particular, so when the opportunity arose to take over from the Smiths team, it seemed the ideal opportunity to get involved,” she said.

“I first supported motorcycle teams at the Macau Grand Prix in 2009 and the next year we claimed the victory with Stuart Easton and the PBM squad. What struck me immediately with two-wheeled racing was the excitement and passion; it is a huge challenge that the teams and riders take on each time they are on track.

“When I came back to the UK, I witnessed the thrill of the Isle of Man TT and the level of professionalism and competition of the BSB series. When we heard the Smiths team were withdrawing and having got to know Alan and Rebecca Smith, the team owners, in Macau, it felt like perfect timing to help step in to build a new team.

“I’m just so excited to get going, this is probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever undertaken and ultimately we have the desire to want to win races.”

The new BMW Motorrad-supported team has been formed from the foundations of the Smiths Racing operation and utilises many of its experienced technicians and equipment.

Crew chief Darren Jones, who has worked with Hickman since 2016, has been appointed as FHO Racing team manager.

“This is a great opportunity to build a new team but use all the important foundations of the Smiths outfit, bringing in additional expertise to strengthen what needs improving,” he said.

“Faye has sponsored the Smiths team, watched from afar and is now relishing the chance to go racing herself as a team owner.

“I’m really excited to be working with someone of Xavi’s calibre and obviously we missed a year on the Roads which we know Peter is the benchmark for, so fingers crossed for the 2021 schedule. Superstock is new for us and Alex has the time for recovery to return ready to fight for the championship, while we develop this awesome new ‘M’ machine for both racing disciplines.”

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