Draft:Richard Coleman

Notable figure within motorsport and commercial sport projects From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richard Coleman is notably recognized for founding Bamboo Engineering, a racing team that later merged with Craft Racing to form Craft-Bamboo Racing.[1] Coleman has worked in various motorsport disciplines, including the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), FIA GT Series and GP3 Series. Coleman later founded a sports management business specializing in the commercial aspects of sports.

  • Comment: Article lead section does not adequately describe the subject (eg: "Coleman is an English engineer and motorsports executive", or words to that effect). The content was overly promotional - I've toned down some of the worse excesses but it needs further work to ensure NPOV. Multiple assertions are unsupported by reliable citations. Article needs references showing significant coverage in reliable independent secondary sources (per WP:GNG); note, interviews are not always reliable sources (see WP:IV). Referencing is erratic; some references need improving to clearly give publication titles, dates of publication, etc. Paul W (talk) 16:01, 16 July 2025 (UTC)


Career

Richard Coleman began his motorsport journey at the age of 16, undertaking an engineering apprenticeship with the Mitsubishi World Rally Championship team. This role provided him with international exposure and hands-on experience in high-level motorsport engineering. He subsequently joined Chevrolet's WTCC program,[2] giving him further experience in touring car racing.

Bamboo Engineering

In July 2009, after departing from Tempus Sport, Coleman established Bamboo Engineering in Silverstone, UK.[3] The team debuted[4] in the BTCC with driver Harry Vaulkhard and later transitioned to the WTCC, fielding Chevrolet Lacettis for drivers like Vaulkhard and Darryl O'Young. Bamboo Engineering achieved notable success, including a third-place finish in the WTCC drivers' championship in 2013. The team also participated in the GP3 Series, showcasing its versatility across racing platforms.[5]

Craft-Bamboo Racing

In 2014, Bamboo Engineering merged with Hong Kong-based Craft Racing to form Craft-Bamboo Racing.[6] This merger combined European and Asian motorsport expertise, allowing the team to compete in various series such as the Intercontinental GT Challenge, TCR International Series[7][8] and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Under Coleman's leadership, the team secured multiple driver and team titles across different championships[9] including representing Porsche[10] and one of the works Aston Martins[11] at the Le Mans 24 Hour race. After Richard's best friend and business partner died,[12] the relationship with his other shareholders soured, ultimately with Richard leaving the team and both parties suing each other.[13]

Mayfield Sports Management

Following his tenure with Craft-Bamboo Racing, Coleman founded Mayfield Sports Management,[14] a Silverstone-based agency specializing in sports sponsorship, athlete and event[15] management, leveraging his extensive network within motorsports. The company and Coleman as an individual have acted as a senior advisor to hedge funds and private equity on significant sports equity transactions, particularly in Formula One, notably Sixth Street and IKON Capital.[16]

MOTOGP

As of September 2025 Coleman will be appointed Team Principal[17] of the Tech3 MotoGP Team following the takeover from a consortium led by Guenther Steiner.

Sports governance

Coleman sat on various sporting and technical working groups at the FIA, including being elected as the Teams Representative to the Touring Car Commission in Paris.[18]

Coleman served as a board member to the European Rugby League as an independent director.[19]

Personal life

Beyond his professional endeavours, Richard Coleman has been involved in motorsports,[20] competing at national level with multiple podium finishes.[21][22] 

References

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