Yamaha deal 'unreal' for Omagh teenager Lewis Spratt as 'significant milestone' sets up British challenge
Omagh teenager Lewis Spratt has celebrated his first official motocross contract with a recognised manufacturer as “a pretty big deal”.
The 17-year-old called the deal to race for Yamaha UK Jet Products on a YZ 250f across a string of high-profile championships as “a significant milestone”.
Spratt is set to line out over the British MX2 under 21, Scottish, Ulster and – potentially, if confirmed on the calendar – Irish events in 2026.
“To go there and actually know that you were signing a contract was very professional,” said Spratt. “It was a pretty big deal because I had never done anything like that before.
"It is a significant milestone with a bike supplied for the 2026 season...it’s just unreal.
"A big ‘thank you’ to Uel and Heidi McClintock from Jet Products, I am very grateful for the opportunity.
"I was so excited that I came in from school the other day, went straight to the garage, started the Yamaha up, gave her a few revs and stood back and admired the bike.”
The move marks a career first racing a four-stroke machine but Spratt is relishing the challenge.
“I have never ridden a 250 and have no experience with a four-stroke...but I will put in the hard work over winter,” he said. “There will be no excuse not to be competitive.”
Now racing for over a decade, Spratt can boast a number of Ulster and Irish honours across various class tests.
His sole history on the Yamaha came in 2021 on the way to 85cc Scottish Championship glory – with KTMs dominating Spratt’s CV.
Spratt opened 2025 with a double podium in Belfast before injury issues and machine problems disrupted his progress.
Scottish Cup success on the McCullagh Centra 125 KTM - when up against the more powerful 250s – marked one highlight of the year, alongside selection for Team Ireland for the Coupe de l’Avenir and Junior World Championships.
“I know what I am capable of and will do my best,” said Spratt. “I don't have specific goals, but I will give it my all.
"The British MX2 will be a big step...I suppose there will be higher expectations this year since I will be on the same bike as the opposition.
"I can't wait to get out there and ride the bike.”