Richard Main dreams big. The former multi British AMCA (Amateur Motor Cycle Association) and European Champion is preparing, with a little help from Hamworthy Heating, to participate in Dakar 2018; a 15 day race through South America.

This year’s Dakar Rally took place in early January. Starting in Asunción it led the participants through Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Richard is hoping to follow Sam Sunderland’s example when he wrote history by becoming the first British winner of the motorcycle category of the Dakar 2017.

As one of the few British prospective participants amongst a French dominated field, Richard is raising money to make his dream come true. Hamworthy Heating and Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI are supporting him on his way to Dakar 2018.  

Richard started his motocross career at the young age of 6. Since then, he has won many championships, including the British AMCA and the European Championship. Just like the first Dakar Rally’s winner Cyril Neveu, Richard also used to ride for Yamaha. In his own MAIN MX School, he provides motocross and enduro training as Auto-Cycle Union certified coach to help young people get into the sport and offer a place where they can train. He is successfully passing on his knowledge and skills; recently, one of his race school riders was presented at the International Dirt Bike Show for winning the Pirelli Masters. 

When Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI’s CEO Shaun Edwards met Richard at a bike event and used his track, he was intrigued by Richard’s story. In order to finance his participation, Richard needs to find sponsors to raise the approximately £50,000 for entry and bike. He knew of Hamworthy boilers from his workplace, where some of the manufacturer’s boilers are installed. To support him on his endeavours to qualify for Dakar 2018, Hamworthy sponsored Richard for the preliminary stages, with entry races taking place in March (Morocco) and May 2017. His next big race will be the Tuareg Rally in Morocco.