PCR-e, the electrified arm of renowned motorcycle race specialists PCR Performance, has today formally confirmed their plans to compete in the inaugural FIM E-Xplorer World championship. The team, headed up by former Enduro and Dakar rider Derrick Edmonson, is to represent Great Britain in the ground-breaking electric off-road motorcycle series.
Sur-Ron, one of the world’s leading electrically powered off-road bike manufacturers has pledged their full support to the Cannock based team off the back of its relationship, through PCR & PCR-e Performance, with reigning Bennetts British Superbike Champions OMG Racing.
The championship will be contested for PCR-e Sur-Ron Factory Racing by experienced enduro riders Sam Winterburn & Chloe Richardson, who will be riding modified Sur-Ron “ULTRA” and “STORM” Bee models in the 5-round series. The full World Championship status will see the team travel to Europe, Asia, and the US as part of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme sanctioned series.
At the 2022 Championship Launch, Sam posted the fastest time across the 3-day event, despite riding what was at the time a completely stock Sur-Ron Storm Bee, which was itself heavier than the specially developed bikes of the competition. This encouraging debut would lead on to Sam competing in the first two rounds of the British EX Championship, winning all 10 races at the Wheeldon Farm track in Devon, including 2 “Super Handicap” races, which saw the 27-year-old start 10 seconds behind the rest of the field. Teammate Chloe is no stranger to international competition, having competed herself at a world championship level in motorcycle trials, before transitioning to enduro.
E-Xplorer’s first round takes place in Catalunya on Saturday 13th May.
Sam Winterburn & Chloe Richardson, PCR-e Sur-Ron Factory Racing – “We are both really looking forward to this season, it’s an exciting and brand new challenge for us both. The FIM E-Xplorer World Cup offers a variety of terrains, and a brand new concept within racing, which we love.
“The electric bikes present a new style of racing, too, which really is a fantastic experience. It’s a privilege to be involved at the inception of what will be the future of our sport, and we can’t wait to get stuck into the racing!”
Derrick Edmondson, PCR-e Sur-Ron Factory Racing – “We’re really excited to be a part of the inaugural e-Xplorer series. Valentin, Carina and all their enthusiastic team have put together a great package in some stunning places. The message of inclusion and sustainability, whilst having a huge amount of fun is something that’s hard to ignore”.
“PCR-e have a lot of experience with the Sur-Ron products, both from a retail and racing perspective, and have been consistently impressed with the out-of-the-box performance. With the introduction of the Storm Bee last year, we’ve had chance to explore what does & doesn’t work, resulting in what we have proven is a super competitive bike. With the introduction of the new “ULTRA BEE” model in March, and paired with an experienced couple of Sam & Chloe, we believe all the team here at PCR-e have a fantastic and competitive package.”
Carina Munte, FIM E-Xplorer Chief Championship Coordinator & Co-founder – “I am thrilled to welcome PCR-e Sur-Ron Factory Racing to the FIM E-Xplorer Championship. The team’s track record of pushing the limits of electric motorcycle technology and their shared values of innovation, sustainability and gender parity aligns perfectly with our mission to create a sustainable future through sport. We believe that the passion for performance and innovation will make for an exciting competition, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with the team.”
