One of Britain’s brightest young prospects, Charlie Richmond, has secured a major opportunity for 2026 after joining the Crendon Tru7 Honda squad to contest the British MX2 Championship.
The 17-year-old makes the move across from the S Briggs Commercials Honda team in a late pre-season switch, stepping up to the adult ranks on the Honda CRF250R after a highly successful year in the 125 class. Richmond clinched the British 125 Championship in 2025, finished second in a moto at the World Junior Championship and gained valuable experience across five rounds of the EMX125 European series.
Originally set to continue his progression with support from both teams, the opportunity arose to join the full Crendon Tru7 Honda set-up – a move that Richmond admits exceeded expectations.
“I raced a 125 last year for S Briggs Commercials and they really helped me out – it’s like a big family,” Richmond explained. “I was going to ride for the Briggs team again in 2026 on the CRF250R with some help from the Crendon Tru7 team but then I got the opportunity to join the full team. Dave Thorpe is a former world champ and I have been on some of his academy training days so it’s so cool to be on his team. It’s a dream. I look up to the team and to the riders on the team.
“When I got on the 250 I enjoyed it right from the start. I was only 57kg so the weight of the bike was a bit of an issue at first but it’s fast. I have been riding Jake Nicholls’ race bike from 2025 which is a great bike but today was trying a new engine package and this is the next step.
“It’s great to ride with Conrad, Jamie and Jake and they’ll help me along. I have no expectations for results this year, just focus on myself and see how we go. But top ten at the opening round would be very nice, then go from there.”
Richmond joins an experienced structure alongside MX1 riders Conrad Mewse and Jamie Carpenter, with Jake Nicholls also part of the wider programme. For a rider making his first full season in MX2, that environment could prove invaluable.
READ MORE: MXGB NEWS
Team manager Ryan Thorpe is confident the move is the right one.
“We are looking forward to spending time working with such a rising talent as Charlie Richmond. It’s a huge credit to Spencer Briggs of S Briggs Commercial to allow Charlie to join our team at such short notice. Spencer is a true fan of the sport and dedicated to bringing on young riders and we appreciate what he does.”
That support has been echoed by S Briggs Commercial Honda team boss Spencer Briggs, who was quick to back the progression.
“When I got the call asking if Charlie could join the Crendon Tru7 team, I was very happy for him and of course agreed straight away to let him go. It’s a great opportunity for him. My mission is to bring on young talent, and we’d never stand in their way of moving up to the next level.
“Like all the riders who race for me, Charlie is not only a great rider with incredible potential but is the complete package – professional, respectful and dedicated. I’m sure he will continue to grow and improve.”
For Richmond, 2026 is about learning, adapting and building experience in a competitive MX2 field. With a strong support network around him and clear long-term potential, this move could prove to be a key step in his development at senior level.
Images courtesy of Crendon Tru7 Honda
