Behind the stories and photoshoots, it seems that Jamie Carpenter has had a tricky few weeks as he prepares for his second full season on a 450 in the British Championship.
Words Ben Rumbold, Images: George Walker
After a steady first year where he finished 7th in the MX1 British Championship on the Cab Screens Crescent Yamaha, he has obviously had to deal with that team folding and putting their riders out of work. The announcement came shortly afterwards that he was signed up with the Ultimate Wheels team as they switched from Honda to KTM, with backing from sponsors SAS Logistics and TPC Commercial Vehicles.
Somewhere along the line things have gone south with that set-up, as it was briefly announced that the team would then be called Ultimate Wheels JC184 KTM. There are some nice printed coats, shirts, and hats that might have been donated to charity in case you see them out on the streets…
Finally, it seems, Jamie has decided to just go it alone for 2024. Knowing all of the parties involved as being decent people who love the sport, it seems very strange that nothing could be tied together, but the private conversations will remain just that. The important thing is that one of the most hard-working and down-to-earth riders on the British scene will be on the gate for the new season. He will tackle the Dirt Store British Championship, the Fastest 40 series and the NORA Pro Championship. He is also looking at the EMX Open race at Lommel and a couple of MXGP Wildcard rides, as well as the Hawkstone International, Mike Brown Memorial, and the Patchquick Trophy.
Jamie is one of those riders who can work on the bike himself, and this new set up will see him sort his training, mechanical and physical preparation all on his own, and thankfully that mentality has ensured that he has kept many sponsors behind him as he prepares for the new season. He has arranged for two weeks of bike training in Spain, which he is just beginning as this goes out!
He is still in talks about a title sponsor, and is open to bringing in private sponsors if anybody is looking to help, and Jamie is certainly intent on giving any sponsors the maximum exposure possible. Check his social media for some entertaining videos which he produces as a great way of doing this.
Here is his statement on social media:
“2024 Take three…
In a world full of people that are “All show and no go”, be the one with the “go” and if you want something done properly, do it yourself.
Two weeks ago my plans for next season were turned upside down and I will now go back to being a privateer running under my own JC184 banner. Since then I have spent many hours arranging things and late nights in the workshop to build what you see in the pictures.
I would like to say a humongous thanks to the people, companies and brands that are getting behind me on this project!
Let’s go!”
To help with his efforts, he has listed the sponsors that are helping him to get out there, which we’re happy to relay here as well:
Greenstar Property Services
Goswell Ltd
Monsters Of Dirt
Ride MX
Go MX 365 Wholesale and supply
Talon Engineering
Race FX
Bell Helmets
KAS Suspension
Mito UK Ltd
Pro Grip
Pro Carbon Racing
Syntol Lubricants
Meon Valley Garage Doors
DEPS (Dorset Electrical & Property Services)
AVT Campers
MPS Painting Contractors Ltd
Seryt Group (Truck Tyre Wholesaler)
Moto Verde
Doc Wob Imports
Mobius Braces UK
TRAK Industries Rider Support
HGS Exhaust Systems
Goggle Tek
Nevis Marketing
TCX Boots
KG Welding
Dirt Hub wish Jamie and his sponsors all the best for a great 2024.
