Yorkshire firm Langver Engineering is sponsoring Jacksdale-based Kyle Ryde Racing as he takes on the 2017 World Supersport Championship.

The manufacturer of ratchet tensioners stepped in to provide sponsorship after owners Scott Taylor and Claire Matten saw his online appeal for helmet sponsorship.

Langver decided to sponsor Kyle not only to promote their company to a global audience, but also to show their support to Kyle throughout the championship.

Kyle began racing at the age of six and has since forged a successful career within motorcycle racing. He won the British 125GP Championship and ACU Academy Cup in 2011 as well as the Pirelli National 600cc Superstock Championship in 2014; all under the age of 17.

Now, aged 19, Kyle is set to take on the 2017 World Supersport Championship for the first time, displaying the Langver logo.

Scott, joint managing director of Langver Engineering, said: “Kyle caught my eye in 2011 when he became the youngest 125cc British Champion and I’ve followed his progress ever since. I have continued to keep an eye on his very successful progress and seen him and his ‘family run team’ go from strength to strength.

“In early 2016, Ryde signed with an Italian team for his first season’s racing in the World Supersport Championship but the team unexpectedly withdrew from competition without explanation after the first five rounds. When I heard about this I, as much as anyone, was devastated and thought his big chance had gone.

“In 2017, when Kyle got the offer to race with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Factory Team, I knew the family would have to raise a significant amount of cash to fund a season’s racing, so after all these years of watching Kyle, Langver decided to help him fund his season.”

Kyle Ryde Racing team added “We are very pleased to announce Langver as a sponsor for 2017 and look forward to developing a strong relationship with them throughout next season and beyond.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank Scott Taylor and Claire Matten for negotiating the deal and providing Kyle the opportunity to represent the Langver brand as he takes on the fast approaching, World Supersport Championship.”