A South Derbyshire business is helping a motorcycle race team to build on its history-making exploits by extending a sponsorship deal into 2023.

Seventeen-year-old Katie Hand, of Hand Racing, became the first female to lift Thundersport GB’s prestigious Superteens championship in 2021, cementing her reputation as one of the best young riders in the business.

Her progression and step up in class has been fast-tracked by the support of MIH (Make It Happen) Solutions, a strategic communications, PR and change consultancy based just outside Burton-on-Trent, and whose colours adorn the chassis of Katie’s stylish Yamaha R3.

Now, MIH has pledged additional backing for the upcoming season, allowing Hand Racing to add Finley (Fin) Arscott – widely regarded as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects – to its ranks.

MIH has been the title sponsor for Katie and her team since 2021, inspired by company Co-owner and Director Jon Beech’s love for motorcycling and the business’s passion for supporting both young talent and women in sport.

Jon said: “Katie continually exceeds our expectations and now, with Fin on board, it promises to be one of the most exciting years we’ve ever had on the track. They are two superb riders, with the motorcycling world at their fingertips.

“We’re delighted to be playing our part in helping them to fulfil their undoubted potential and are relishing the many opportunities the partnership continues to provide for us as a business.”

Fresh off the back of her success in the HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship in 2022, Katie – from Caistor in Lincolnshire – is again set to compete in the British Superbike support races, while 21-year-old Fin – from Lifton, in Devon – will ride the Yamaha R6 in the Pirelli National Junior Superstock Championship.

In a further exciting development, both Katie and Fin will be fully backed by Yamaha UK in their roles as part of the new Macadam academy, a venture set up to nurture and develop young talent in the cut-throat world of top-flight motorcycle racing.

Katie said: “We’ve managed to achieve what were some ambitious goals over the past couple of seasons, mainly thanks to a combination of hard work and the support of what is a fantastic team.

“I’m living out my dream and much of that has been made possible by MIH. Not only have they been with us every step of the way, but the specialist coaching, mentoring, communications and PR support provided by Jon and the team has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

“I’m very grateful and look forward to more exciting times ahead.”

Fin triumphed in the No Limits Racing Pirelli Super Series 600 Championship in 2022, in what was only his fourth competitive season.

He also achieved several top 10 finishes in the National Superstock Championship, supporting the British Superbike Championship.

He said: “I am so happy to be riding for MIH Solutions and Hand Racing this year. The time I have spent with the team already is giving me confidence that I am in the right place.”

British Superbike racing starts in April, with testing throughout February.

Founded in 2011, MIH offers a wide range of services, from specialist consultancy and coaching to full agency support for communications, PR and marketing. It also has a dedicated production team offering professional videography and photography solutions.

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