RCH Racing's new-look Suzuki's for the 2013 season. Image: Simon Cudby.

Ricky Carmichael and Carey Hart, two legends of our sport in their own rights, have announced that they have joined forces to create the new-look RCH Racing team for the 2013 season.

The RCH Racing team was official announced during rider lineup prior to the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas, SPEED Channel’s Ralph Sheheen conducted the press conference which was hosted at the Dodge/Sycuan Casino/Suzuki RCH Racing truck.

Broc Tickle is the first rider to be signed on with the team for the 2013 season, and both Hart and Carmichael are excited about their new rider and partnership.

“This is a really exciting time to be teaming up with Ricky,” said team owner Hart. “His resume speaks volumes and his ability to work with riders and build champions is priceless. Ricky was the pivotal piece to bringing Suzuki to our team and now that we have a long term relationship with them on a factory level I feel that we have all of the pieces to go out and win a championship.

“I think with Ricky working close with Broc during pre-season and throughout the course of the season will help boost Broc’s confidence and bring him up to the next level.

“Broc already has a ton of talent and he knows how to win championships. We are ready to be on the podium and winning races.”

, who will be leading the team’s rider development and motorcycle testing, research, and development, is looking forward to sharing lessons learned in his professional career now with RCH Racing and Tickle.

“I’m really excited about this partnership,” said Carmichael. “Carey being successful as an athlete and as a business person has built a great foundation here in the sport and with myself being able to bring the Suzuki program over to the team really solidifies the deal and makes the team complete. We are looking forward to many good years.

“2013 will be a building year and in 2014 I think we will be in contention for wins and a championship. Broc finished on the podium several times at the end of this past season and is a former Lites Champion so he knows what it takes to win races and championships.

“I think he is a diamond in the rough and with a little bit of guidance from myself and support from Suzuki I think we will be able to run top 5 each weekend and score some podium finishes.”

Tickle believes the combination of Carmichael and Hart, along with the help added factory support from Suzuki was an easy decision for him.

“Having Ricky part of the program and his knowledge from being the champion he is and his history with Suzuki made making the switch an easy decision for me,” said Tickle. “The factory support from Suzuki and Ricky knowing all there is to know about the bike and working with him at the track and in training makes this a step in the right direction for me. I’m looking forward to being part of RCH Racing and helping the team grow.

“The sponsors of RCH Racing who have continued their support for the coming year and years to come are the key to continuing to help make this team grow and develop into a championship winning team.

“The people involved from Carey and Kenny [Watson] to the mechanics and the behind the scenes crew really make this team what it is and a great team to ride for.”